The potential of art and commerce working together to combat social inequality took place in a stunning art fundraiser, Rise of the Butterfly. The event, a benefit designed to raise money to confront human trafficking, was spearheaded by art photographer Layla Love and iconic feminist leader, Gloria Steinem. The visual communications expertise of Duggal was a huge component of the evening, which featured dozens of Love’s photographs in multiple formats.

The mission of Rise of the Butterfly, a non-profit founded by Love and Steinem, is to provide a sustainable source of funding for grassroots organizations that help women and girls around the world, particularly survivors of human trafficking. The photographs, on view through June 15th, explore and celebrate the feminine, sacred and empowered women, female suffering, and what a healthy relationship with oneself and others might look like.

The variety of photographic materials used to help express and amplify Love’s work added another dimension to her varied subject matter: dreamy, documentary, difficult, as well as uplifting imagery. Vibrachrome prints (prints direct to Dibond), a small Duraclear resembling a real negative, direct printing to wooden planks from a box that Jefferson used to own, and a 4" deep gasket lightbox, among other pieces, are on display as Love’s work to echoes the vastness of her compassion and vision.

Duggal also created wallpaper with text and Cad Cut lettering that illuminated positive messages on walls throughout the exhibition space. Phrases and words such as, “Nurture Dreams With Consistency,” “Love. Support. Inspiration.,” “Desire,” “Creative Impulse,” “Surrender,” and “Love” set an elevated tone in the space, inviting all attendees to dream of a better world.In addition to cocktails, a DJ, and a brief dance performance, members of Love’s team were on hand to explain the organizations mission and encourage sales of the work.

Proceeds from the event will go toward three highly effective organizations, Hidden Tears Project, Sands of Silence, and We Still Rise, two of which had representatives who spoke at the fundraiser, sharing real life stories of human trafficking survivors.

The goal of Rise of the Butterfly– to connect resources from the fine art world with people and organizations on the frontlines of compassionate social change – undoubtedly requires a team effort. In this case, the subjects of Love’s photographs, the volunteers and interns employed by Love and Steinem, the grassroots organizations on the frontlines, and Duggal’s team of professionals led by sales rep Ruchika Attri, all played their part in a phenomenal opening night destined for further success.