Power Ball 2017: Inside Toronto’s Most Stylish Art Party
In a sense, all parties represent an alternate reality. One where people are more engaged, eager to sing or dance, and likely better dressed. Of course, when one is talking about Power Ball, the annual must-attend fundraiser for the Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery, one understands that that alternate party reality is going to be taken to dazzling new heights.
That was certainly the case last night, as guests and partners had their collective minds blown at Power Ball XIX: Stereo Vision, presented by Max Mara. For VIPs, the night began with a surreal cocktail reception that was infiltrated by subtle performance artists. As the in cognito performers did their work, guests enjoyed signature cocktails and surprising bites provided by Drake Catering.
But, the real art—and the real party—started afterward, as guests discovered digital installations by Canadian artist Daniel Barrow, charged landscapes created by Canadian/UK artist Kelly Richardson, and for the nostalgic, a DeLorean parked just outside.
Perhaps most impressive was the photography of Torrance Hall, a 17-year-old student from Virgina, and winner of the 2017 Max Mara Young Visionary Award, a scholarship presented by the luxe brand to support (as the name suggests) young artists. Hall’s photography “explores the relationship between the imagination, dreams and the everyday vision of human experiences with dark and fantastical narratives,” he said. It was a work that felt right at home at Power Ball.
Aside from the mind-bending works of art (including a wall lined with marshmallows, because why not?) and a glittering FASHION virtual reality station complete with a custom magical forest (courtesy of Reboot Reality and Rob Brunette)–perhaps the most intriguing element of Power Ball XIX were the guests. The style on display was as exciting as any exploration of alternate reality. Well, almost.
Check out our gallery below to see for yourself.
Photography by Sonia Recchia/Getty Images for Max Mara
Photography by Sonia Recchia/Getty Images for Max Mara
Photography by Sonia Recchia/Getty Images for Max Mara
Photography by Sonia Recchia/Getty Images for Max Mara
Photography by Sonia Recchia/Getty Images for Max Mara
Photography by Sonia Recchia/Getty Images for Max Mara
Photography by Sonia Recchia/Getty Images for Max Mara
Photography by Sonia Recchia/Getty Images for Max Mara
Photography by Sonia Recchia/Getty Images for Max Mara
Photography by Sonia Recchia/Getty Images for Max Mara
Photography by Sonia Recchia/Getty Images for Max Mara
Photography by Sonia Recchia/Getty Images for Max Mara
Photography by Sonia Recchia/Getty Images for Max Mara
Photography by Sonia Recchia/Getty Images for Max Mara
Photography by Sonia Recchia/Getty Images for Max Mara
Photography by Sonia Recchia/Getty Images for Max Mara
Photography by Sonia Recchia/Getty Images for Max Mara
Photography by Sonia Recchia/Getty Images for Max Mara
Photography by Sonia Recchia/Getty Images for Max Mara
Photography by Sonia Recchia/Getty Images for Max Mara
Photography by Sonia Recchia/Getty Images for Max Mara
Photography by Sonia Recchia/Getty Images for Max Mara
Photography by Sonia Recchia/Getty Images for Max Mara
Photography by Sonia Recchia/Getty Images for Max Mara
Photography by Sonia Recchia/Getty Images for Max Mara
Photography by Sonia Recchia/Getty Images for Max Mara
Photography by Sonia Recchia/Getty Images for Max Mara
Photography by Sonia Recchia/Getty Images for Max Mara
Photography by Sonia Recchia/Getty Images for Max Mara
Photography by Sonia Recchia/Getty Images for Max Mara
Photography by Sonia Recchia/Getty Images for Max Mara
Photography by Sonia Recchia/Getty Images for Max Mara
Photography by Sonia Recchia/Getty Images for Max Mara
Photography by Sonia Recchia/Getty Images for Max Mara
Photography by Sonia Recchia/Getty Images for Max Mara
Photography by Sonia Recchia/Getty Images for Max Mara
Photography by Sonia Recchia/Getty Images for Max Mara
Photography by Sonia Recchia/Getty Images for Max Mara
Photography by Ikonika
Photography by Sonia Recchia/Getty Images for Max Mara
Photography by Sonia Recchia/Getty Images for Max Mara
Photography by Sonia Recchia/Getty Images for Max Mara
Photography by Sonia Recchia/Getty Images for Max Mara
Photography by Sonia Recchia/Getty Images for Max Mara
Photography by Sonia Recchia/Getty Images for Max Mara
Photography by Sonia Recchia/Getty Images for Max Mara
Photography by Sonia Recchia/Getty Images for Max Mara
Photography by Sonia Recchia/Getty Images for Max Mara
Photography by Sonia Recchia/Getty Images for Max Mara
Photography by Sonia Recchia/Getty Images for Max Mara
Photography by Sonia Recchia/Getty Images for Max Mara
Photography by Sonia Recchia/Getty Images for Max Mara
Photography by Sonia Recchia/Getty Images for Max Mara
Photography by Sonia Recchia/Getty Images for Max Mara
Photography by Sonia Recchia/Getty Images for Max Mara
 young artists. Hall’s photography “explores the relationship between the imagination, dreams and the everyday vision of human experiences with dark and fantastical narratives,” he said. It was a work that felt right at home at Power Ball.
Aside from the mind-bending works of art (including a wall lined with marshmallows, because why not?) and a glittering FASHION virtual reality station complete with a custom magical forest (courtesy of Reboot Reality and Rob Brunette)–perhaps the most intriguing element of Power Ball XIX were the guests. The style on display was as exciting as any exploration of alternate reality. Well, almost.
Check out our gallery below to see for yourself.
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