Celebrating Lauren Halsey's Roof Garden Commission at The MET - A South Central Masterpiece Overlooking NYC’s Central Park

Jun 5

My recent trip to New York City was inspired by an invitation from visionary Los Angeles artist and sculptor, Lauren Halsey, to attend the opening celebration of her newest piece entitled the eastside of south central los angeles hieroglyph prototype architecture (I), located on the Roof Garden of The MET. Commissioned by The Metropolitan Museum of Art to create a site-specific installation, Lauren has delivered a full-scale architectural structure described as “the collective energy and imagination of the South Central Los Angeles Community”, the place she was born, raised, and continues to work. The artwork was designed to be explored by The MET’s visitors, with entryways that allow for a full immersion of “sources as varied as ancient Egyptian symbolism, 1960s utopian architecture, and contemporary visual expressions like tagging.”

I have cherished witnessing the greatness of Lauren’s art throughout the years and was ecstatic to attend the unveiling of what is considered her most brilliant work to date. A continuation of her architectural structure, Crenshaw District Hieroglyphic Project, which debuted at the 2018 Hammer Museum Biennial and won the prestigious Mohn Award, her latest piece evoked total awe among the stylish cognoscenti in attendance.

In 2019 I was honored when Lauren asked me to DJ her Air Force 1 launch with NIKE and it was there I learned about what a visionary party-thrower she was. There was no way I would miss her New York moment and came prepared to celebrate in whatever fashion she chose. A day prior to the opening I attended an intimate dinner hosted by the incomparable Thelma Golden at Hav & Mar in the Meatpacking District, recognizing Lauren’s major accomplishment at The MET. It was there I shared genuine laughter with friends, met some brilliant curators, and ate a scrumptious biscuit paired with heavenly fermented honey butter that is etched in my mind.

The following day and after the big opening, we gathered at the vibrant underground club at PUBLIC Hotel to party. While dancing under hundreds of spinning discos balls, electrifying strobes, and neon lights, we witnessed one of the greatest. To the audience’s shock and delight, the unparalleled Lauryn Hill, in a custom bejeweled suit, chapeau, and 6-inch satin stilettos, took the stage and performed a full set with a live band. She was gorgeous, strong, and even more magnificnet than I could have imagined.