Topical Cream Co-Hosts an Evening of Art, Music, and Friendship with Camille Henrot

On February 7th, Topical Cream co-hosted an immersive evening in celebration of A Number of Things, Camille Henrot’s monumental solo exhibition at Hauser & Wirth. The gathering, held in Henrot’s Chelsea studio, was conceived as an homage to artistic solidarity, creative collaboration, and women and femmes in the art world.

Jasmine Golestaneh of Tempers performs with support from Henry Ryeder. Photograph by Youn Jung Kim.

Henrot’s A Number of Things is an ambitious and deeply introspective exploration of play as a fundamental human instinct. The exhibition showcases her signature interdisciplinary approach, featuring organically shaped, monumental sculptures and richly textured paintings that blur the boundaries between ancient and contemporary aesthetics. Patinated surfaces lend the works a timeworn quality, evoking archaeological artifacts while simultaneously engaging with the visual language of modern abstraction. Through this interplay, Henrot interrogates the push and pull between progress and primitivism, control and chaos, the deeply personal and the universally human.

Composer and performer Xol Meissner. Photograph by Youn Jung Kim.

The evening featured two live performances—one by Mauro Hertig, a.k.a. Xol Meissner, and another by Tempers, the acclaimed synthpop project headed by artist Jasmine Golestaneh—alongside a DJ set by writer Sadaf and a short but memorable set by Topical Cream’s own Lyndsy Welgos. The gathering brought together artists, collaborators, and cultural producers, including Amalia Ulman, Chen Chen of Chen & Kai, Dan Rosen, Puppies Puppies, Rachel Rossin, Olivia Erlanger, Ilana Babalu, Chelsey Mitchell, Marcella Zimmermann, Paige K. Bradley, and Domenick Ammirati of Spigot.

Henrot’s studio was transformed into an evocative, dreamlike space with Valentine’s Day-inspired decor and floral installations by artist Asmite. Asmite’s use of moss and twisted branches created an eerie, almost mythological atmosphere—a complement to Henrot’s own exploration of the organic and the uncanny. “I love transforming everyday materials into something sublime and surreal,” said Asmite. “The flowers complemented the artworks, enhancing the dreamlike atmosphere. I draw a lot of inspiration from film, and I wanted to infuse a cinematic energy into the space.”

An eccentric spread of charcuterie and cheeses was presented on vintage silver serving dishes inherited from both Henrot’s and Welgos’s grandmothers, an intimate touch that layered the night with a sense of nostalgia and familial reverence, along with a box of Champagne donated from Conway Liao at Hudson Wilder.

From left: curator Clémence White with artists Rachel Rossin, Camille Henrot, and Elizabeth Jaeger. Photograph by Youn Jung Kim.

Artists gather and enjoy the night’s musical performances. Photograph by Youn Jung Kim.

The evening was documented by artist Youn Jung Kim, who captured both the performances and the organic interactions between artists. As the night progressed, the energy shifted from observation to celebration—culminating in a dance party where sounds pulsed through the studio, offering artists a rare opportunity to dance.

Artist and musician Sadaf spins house music to get the revelers on the dance floor. Photograph by Youn Jung Kim.

Topical Cream’s Ara Anjargolian and Lyndsy Welgos, pictured with Erin Knutson and artist Chris Dorland. Photograph by Youn Jung Kim.

The gathering was more than just an art party—it was a reaffirmation of the essential role of community in times of uncertainty. The history of the avant-garde is one of artists finding strength in one another, and in this spirit, A Number of Things became not only an exhibition of Henrot’s latest work but a reason for artists to unite in support, celebration, and camaraderie.

Tables featured charcuterie and towers of berries. Photograph by Youn Jung Kim.

Artist and host Camille Henrot. Photograph by Youn Jung Kim.

One of many floral arrangements styled by artist and florist Asmite. Photograph by Youn Jung Kim.

Camille Henrot, “Fairweather Mother,” 2023. Bronze. Photograph by Youn Jung Kim.

Artists dancing in Camille’s studio. Photograph by Youn Jung Kim.

Designer Dakota Johnson speaks with Mauro Hertig and Marko Gluhaich of Frieze Magazine. Photograph by Youn Jung Kim.

Art Direction: Camille Henrot Studio, Topical Cream
Floral Arrangements: Asmite
Photography: Youn Jung Kim
Videography: Avery Johnson
Champagne Donation: Hudson Wilder
Special Help: Léa Trudel, Ana Cano, Morgan Conellee, Corina Dewald, Terry Soo Park, Jo Jo Li