“Highlights from Hyperallergic’s 15th Anniversary Celebration: A Photo Recap”
**Hyperallergic’s 15th Birthday Soirée: A Night to Remember**
It’s hard to believe, but the trailblazing art and culture publication, *Hyperallergic*, just turned 15. On Wednesday night, the milestone was celebrated in classic Hyperallergic fashion—by throwing an unforgettable birthday bash at *The Red Pavilion*, an Asian neo-noir nightclub in the heart of Bushwick, Brooklyn.
More than 150 loyal friends, writers, artists, and community members gathered for an evening of dancing, dining, performances, and art-centered joy. The talented *DJ Pillow Princess* spun the night away, delivering crowd-pleasing beats that kept the dance floor alive all night long. Brooklyn’s beloved restaurant *Tanoreen* provided an array of delicious Mediterranean mezze, offering guests the perfect fuel to keep the celebrations going. However, it was the artistic entertainment that made the night truly extraordinary.
### Celebrating *Hyperallergic* Through Drag and Spectacle
The star of the show? A spectacular drag performance that uniquely chronicled the publication’s remarkable 15-year journey. The event was curated and produced by *Zac Thompson*, who also served as the emcee for the night, bringing energy, humor, and a sense of nostalgia through the performances.
The show kicked off with an aerial performance that set the stage for a dramatic evening, leading guests through a visual history of *Hyperallergic*. Drag artists interpreted themes such as “independent journalism” and “no paywall”—concepts pivotal to *Hyperallergic’s* ethos as a democratizing force in the world of art and culture commentary. From outer space scenes to graveyard settings, the performances were deeply symbolic but also imbued with the playful absurdity that drag often delivers.
### Performers that Lit Up the Night
The cast of performers was nothing short of exceptional. Big thanks and massive applause went to *CoCo*, *Felicia Oh*, *Amygdala*, *Kekoa Is*, *DiDi Opulence*, *Kanika*, and *Junior Mintt*—a talented group that embraced the challenge of creating art out of reflections on *Hyperallergic*’s journey. With prompts that ranged from “revolution” to “howling at the moon,” these performers pushed the boundaries of imagination.
Whether it was *Felicia Oh’s* intergalactic interpretation of journalism’s evolution or *DiDi Opulence’s* larger-than-life persona decked out in all pink, each performer brought raw creativity and emotion to the table. The show balanced campy humor with real reflection on the state of art and media today, evoking both laughter and contemplation from the audience.
### 15 Years of *Hyperallergic*: A Legacy Speech
A highlight of the event came as *Hyperallergic* co-founders *Hrag Vartanian* and *Veken Gueyikian* took to the stage for an emotional speech. In their remarks, they reflected on the publication’s founding in 2009 and *Hyperallergic’s* mission of offering critical, accessible art commentary free of corporate influence.
Starting as a modest platform, *Hyperallergic* has grown into a powerhouse of independent journalism, respected by artists, writers, critics, and readers alike for its bold stance on art, culture, and politics. This achievement is marked not only in years but in the impact the publication has had on the contemporary art world—from highlighting underrepresented voices to challenging the status quo in art institutions.
The founders’ words served as both a gratitude-filled thank-you and a rallying cry for the continued importance of independent discourse in the face of increasing digital monopolies and restrictive paywalls.
### A Night to Remember: Capturing the Moments
For those unable to attend in person, the spirit of the evening lives on through vibrant party photos captured by *Sidewalkkilla* and *Saint Piñero*. These images document the energy and diversity of the attendees, the radiant joy on guests’ faces, and the electric, inclusive atmosphere that permeated the event. Whether it’s *DiDi Opulence* dazzling under dramatic lights or candid moments from the dance floor, these shots reflect the exuberance that defines both *Hyperallergic* and its community.
### Looking Ahead: The Future of *Hyperallergic*
As the party wrapped up and the last beats from *DJ Pillow Princess* faded into the Brooklyn night, it was clear that this wasn’t simply a celebration of the past—it was a toast to the future. With 15 years behind them, *Hyperallergic* has firmly cemented itself as a fearless voice in art criticism. But in a world where independent media is more necessary than ever, who knows where the next 15 years will take this trailblazing platform?
For now, one thing is certain: *Hyperallergic* will continue to champion the intersection of art, culture, and activism in a