Milk Studios presented PHOTO16, the second annual photography auction raising over $300,000 for The AIDS Monument. The theme for PHOTO16 this year was ICONS in honor of The AIDS Monument that will become the world’s iconic landmark in West Hollywood. PHOTO16 told the story of ICONS through imagery, engaging the worlds greatest photographers to contribute rarely seen images. Presenter Dita von Teese and Lionel Richie were among some of the star-studded supporters and iconic subjects of featured photography works.
In keeping with the theme, legendary subjects including David Bowie, Elizabeth Taylor, Prince, Andy Warhol, Cher, Beyoncé, Muhammad Ali, Bette Midler, Tupac, Kate Moss —to name a few—were featured in the highly anticipated photo auction. Over 90 blue-chip preeminent photography works were available for bidding through auction platform Paddle8 as well as in the LIVE auction portion of the night.
Designed by Daniel Tobin of the Urban Art Projects, The AIDS Monument will have a large digital component offering an integrated technology both on-site and online offering an overall immersive experience for users. Visitors will be able to upload their own memorials including stories, videos, and images of lost ones as well as honor caregivers, community leaders, and activists that continue to fight against HIV/AIDS. The AIDS Monument will act as an information center to the public providing links to information on HIV/AIDS prevention and education while also raising awareness about the history and culture of the disease
Credit: Stefanie Keenan/WireImage