Kara Walker. Christ’s Entry into Journalism, 2017. Sumi ink and collage on paper; 151 x 191 inches.
Courtesy of Sikkema Jenkins & Co., New York. On view through October 14, 2017.
September brings both good and bad: a respite from the heat of summer, but a warning that winter’s on its way; real-world responsibilities, but a flurry of new exhibitions to see. While it might seem like there’s too many exhibitions to count—especially in New York—the Art21 staff offers their advice on which shows and artworks deserve your attention (and attendance).
“With recent events in Charlottesville and the country at large, I’ve been thinking about monuments and memorials. A recent article in the New York Times describes a more measured response from artists and preservationists, emphasizing a probably necessarily overlooked aspect of these memorials—their status as works of art.
Though I’m going to take a moment to check out the Henry Ward Beecher Monument—memorializing the great Brooklyn-based nineteenth century abolitionist—in Cadman Plaza Brooklyn, my recommendation is broader. Stop by your local park or civic building and take a closer look at the statues and monuments you’ve probably very rarely paid attention to. For the New Yorkers out there, here’s what seems to be a pretty comprehensive list on Wikipedia as well as the City Parks own breakdown, with particular subsection for the Civil War.”
—Nick Ravich, Director of Video Programming and Production
“The fall season of gallery exhibitions awaits us and with that I’m really looking forward to new projects with Art21 artists Trevor Paglen at Metro Pictures and Omer Fast at the James Cohan Gallery.”
—Tina Kukielski, Executive Director and Chief Curator
Trevor Paglen: A Study of Invisible Images is on view through October 21
Omer Fast: August is on view through October 29
“This summer I got to see Anish Kapoor: Descension at the Brooklyn Bridge Park. This water feature was mesmerizing as the black water filled the void.
I would definitely recommend going out to see it if you’re ever in the DUMBO area.”
—Ife Adelona, Production Coordinator
On view through October 1
“Too many fall gallery shows opening to count, but I loved Kara Walker at Sikkema Jenkins, Jordan Casteel at Casey Kaplan and Stephanie Syjuco at Ryan Lee. And I’m very much looking forward to Adrian Piper at Levy Gorvy!”
—Danielle Brock, Curatorial Assistant
Kara Walker’s work is on view through October 14
Jordan Casteel: Nights in Harlem is on view through October 28
Stephanie Syjuco: Citizens is on view through October 14
Adrian Piper’s work is on view through October 21
