LOS ANGELES, CA. —The Institute of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles (ICA LA) announces the return of INCOGNITO, its legendary benefit art sale. In light of safety restrictions because of the coronavirus, INCOGNITO 2020 has been reimagined as a virtual happening that will be held online on Saturday, October 17 at 5 pm PT, marking the third anniversary of the museum’s relocation from Santa Monica to Downtown Los Angeles with a new home and identity.

A beloved tradition that began at ICA LA’s previous incarnation as the Santa Monica Museum of Art, INCOGNITO is unique among fundraisers. Now in its 13th edition, 400 established and emerging contemporary artists will contribute 12 x 12-inch original works in any medium of their choosing. In a playful upending of auction-based fundraisers that rely on big names and creates hierarchies of value, for INCOGNITO, all works are sold for $500 and the artists remain anonymous, their identities only revealed after the purchase. Guests are encouraged to trust their instincts, follow their hearts, and make selections based on how the works move them.

A limited number of tickets will be available for PRECOGNITO, an exclusive preview of all the artworks. This is an opportunity for guests to explore the artworks in person, make note of their favorites, and get ready for the moment the INCOGNITO sale goes live. PRECOGNITO will take place October 15-17 during timed appointments at The Rendon, a former hotel and bar, just a few blocks from ICA LA in the DTLA Arts District. The historic building is now home to a contemporary art space, opened in 2018, that has hosted several immersive art experiences and gallery exhibitions as fundraisers for local arts organizations. PRECOGNITO ticket holders will be able to physically view artworks at The Rendon while adhering to social distancing guidelines, and refreshments will be served for “Devotee” level ticket buyers in The Rendon’s classic bar.

Hosted by renowned actor, comedian, and producer Joel McHale and taking place virtually on the platform Handbid, INCOGNITO 2020 will consist of a virtual program, followed by an online sale of artworks. Guests can log-in for the event via their home computers or a mobile app. Works that are not sold the evening of the event will be available for sale via Handbid through October 31.

All proceeds benefit ICA LA’s roster of dynamic exhibitions and education programs—all of which are free to the public. Having been closed to the public since March because of the coronavirus pandemic, this year’s iteration of INCOGNITO will also contribute meaningfully to the museum’s recovery efforts and future planning. 

An exciting mix of works by iconic artists and burgeoning talents will be available, with an emphasis on artists within the Los Angeles community. A selection of participating artists includes: Tanya Aguiñiga, Kelly Akashi, Terry Allen, Edgar Arceneaux, Nayland Blake, Andrea Bowers, Beatriz Cortez, Alex Da Corte, Kenturah Davis, Roy Dowell, Rafa Esparza, Amir H. Fallah, Aaron Fowler, Andrea Fraser, Sayre Gomez, Alexandra A. Grant, Ann Greene Kelly, EJ Hill, Max Hooper Schneider, Evan Holloway, John Houck, Donna Isham, Tomashi Jackson, Liza Lou, Mary Kelly, Yunhee Min, Gala Porras-Kim, Nari Ward, Pae White, B. Wurtz, Tim Youd, and so many more.  

For the full list of participating artists, visit theicala.org/incognito 

TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE

PRECOGNITO

Thursday & Friday, October 15-16, 10am-8pm PT

Saturday, October 17, 10am-3pm PT

The Rendon Hotel, 2055 E. 7th Street, DTLA  

INCOGNITO

Saturday, October 17, 5pm PT

Virtual Happening via Handbid 

Featuring live video streaming entertainment and art sale

Tickets:

INCOGNITO:

October 17, 5pm PT

Individual Tickets (1) Fanatic: $100 (limited quantity)

Fan: $150 

Group Tickets (2+) Pair of Fans (2): $250

Quarantine Pod (5+): 20% off Fan Ticket price of $150 each

(ie: 5 people = $600; 10 people = $1200)

PRECOGNITO TICKETS:

October 15-16, 10am-8pm; October 17, 10am-3pm 

All PRECOGNITO tickets include admission to private preview of artworks at The Rendon and INCOGNITO virtual event and art sale. Visits to The Rendon are private and timed to ensure the safety of our guests. To comply with local health regulations in response to COVID-19, the number of guests is limited for each viewing and masks are required.

General Admission Believer (1): $500 

Pair of Believers (2): $750 

Limited VIP Group Tickets 

Devotees (up to 10): $7,500 Devotee groups of up to 10 includes hosted refreshments in The Rendon bar and gift bags

To purchase tickets: events.handbid.com/auctions/incognito-2020/tickets