teh holidays are upon us, a time for gathering, reflection, and perhaps a much-needed escape from the hustle and bustle. What better sanctuary than the world of art? This season, New York City offers a diverse tapestry of exhibitions sure too inspire, challenge, and rejuvenate the soul.
From the subtle wit of Thomas Schütte to the profound emotional landscape explored by Ralph Lemon, and the breathtaking beauty of Alexandra Exter‘s work, there’s something for every artistic palate. These are just a few of the captivating shows worth adding to your holiday itinerary.
Deshaun Price’s captivating portraits at Orient 15 in Tribeca beckon viewers into a world of both presence and absence.These pensive depictions of people and landscapes seem to exist in a liminal space, a state of incompletion that paradoxically feels entirely complete. As Hakim Bishara, art critic for Hyperallergic, notes, “Both the gallery space and the art on the walls seem unfinished, but that’s exactly what makes the show so complete.” Price’s figures invite us to contemplate the delicate balance between closeness and distance,solitude and togetherness,leaving us with thought-provoking questions about our place in the world.
Morris Hirshfeld: Everyday Magic
The works of Morris Hirshfeld at the American Folk Art Museum offer a unique glimpse into the world of a self-taught artist whose vibrant creativity infused everyday scenes with remarkable magic. Visitors can explore Hirshfeld’s whimsical paintings, featuring both realistic and fantastical elements, and discover the stories behind his artistic journey.
For those seeking an art experience that nourishes the spirit and sparks the imagination, these exhibitions provide a welcome respite from the holiday frenzy.
Ukrainian Avant-Garde Pioneer Alexandra Exter’s Art Explored in Major Retrospective
The Ukrainian Museum in manhattan is currently hosting a notable retrospective of Ukrainian avant-garde artist alexandra Exter.
Titled “Alexandra Exter: The Stage Is a World,” the exhibition offers a thorough look at Exter’s distinguished career, showcasing her multifaceted talents as a painter, designer, and innovator in theater and costume design. It runs through January 19, 2025.
The exhibition promises to be a captivating journey through Exter’s artistic vision, highlighting her significant contributions to both Ukrainian and international modernist movements.
The Ukrainian Museum
222 East 6th Street, East Village, Manhattan
Through January 19, 2025
Alexandra Exter: A Visionary Artist Rediscovered at The Ukrainian Museum
Alexandra Exter, a name deserving of wider recognition in the art world, is taking center stage at The Ukrainian Museum.”The Stage Is a World,” an exhibition showcasing over 30 of her works, illuminates the multifaceted talent of this avant-garde artist who thrived in European art circles during the early 20th century.
Exter seamlessly navigated the worlds of painting, drawing, filmmaking, traditional crafts, theater design, and fashion. Her artistry transcended boundaries, weaving together diverse styles and eras to create a captivating aesthetic world. Color and pattern served as both formal elements and conduits of emotion in her work.
A Master of Conversion
A series of costume designs rendered in a Constructivist style vividly demonstrate Exter’s ability to imbue movement with drama and dynamism. Paintings like “Masked figures by the Banks of a Venetian Canal” and “Carnival Procession,” both dating back to the late 1920s, exemplify her unique approach.
These canvases draw inspiration from Cubism and Futurism, employing architectural backdrops that provide a stark contrast to the harlequins and masked figures in the foreground. This juxtaposition creates an uncanny atmosphere, a sense of two worlds colliding. ““The Stage Is a World” offers a rare possibility to delve into the artistic vision of Alexandra Exter, an innovator who deserves to be recognized among the giants of 20th-century art.
Adding another dimension to the exhibition,a dedicated screening room showcases one of Exter’s films,accompanied by a mannequin adorned in one of her designs. This multimedia presentation brings her visual imagination to life, offering a truly immersive experience.
—NH
Vital Signs: Artists and the Body
Museum of Modern Art, 11 West 53rd Street, Midtown, Manhattan Through february 22, 2025
Greer Lankton’s “journal #16 red Sketchbook” (c.1986–87) on display at Vital Signs at the Museum of Modern Art (photo hrag Vartanian/Hyperallergic)
I placed this exhibition on my best of the year because it refuses to be carnivalesque in its display — which can happen easily when dealing with the human body — and instead offers a more cerebral take on corporeal realities. From Rosemary Mayer’s ethereal “Galla Placidia” (1973), which celebrates a marginalized fifth-century Roman empress, to Ted Joans’s 132-artist-long exquisite corpse that sits in the center of one of the main galleries, and includes contributions by Ishmael Reed, Ray Johnson, Dorothea Tanning, Barbara Chase-Riboud, and so many others, the works challenge us not only to think about the human body, but also how we connect — or don’t — to one another. —HV
Ceremonies Out of the Air: Ralph Lemon
MoMA PS1, 22–25 Jackson Avenue, Long Island City, Queens Through March 24, 2025
Two Must-See Exhibitions in New York City
New York City is a haven for art enthusiasts, with museums and galleries constantly showcasing exciting new exhibitions. This month, two standouts are capturing attention: a captivating retrospective of choreographer Ralph Lemon’s work at MoMA PS1 and a vibrant exploration of graffiti art at the Museum of the City of New York.
Ralph Lemon at MoMA PS1
Ralph Lemon, known for his innovative choreography, is venturing deeper into the realm of contemporary visual and performance art. his retrospective at MoMA PS1 is a testament to his multifaceted creativity.
the exhibition features a captivating four-channel video and sound installation created in collaboration with artist Kevin Beasley. Alongside this, visitors can explore a diverse range of Lemon’s works, from intricate drawings and playful sculptures to a series of special performances that delve into the emotions held within our bodies.
“Tell it anyway,” the first of six performances in the series, is a powerful exploration of visual and auditory storytelling that draws the audience into Lemon’s unique artistic vision.
This exhibition offers a rich and immersive experience, inviting viewers to engage with Lemon’s innovative and thought-provoking work.
Above Ground: Art from the Martin Wong Graffiti Collection
The Museum of the City of New York is showcasing “Above Ground: Art from the Martin Wong Graffiti Collection,” a vibrant celebration of graffiti art and its cultural meaning.
A Collector’s Eye for Art
What sets Wong’s collection apart is his discerning taste as an artist. he approached these works not merely as decorative pieces, but as expressions of artistic merit. As a result This text appears to be part of an online article reviewing art exhibitions in New York City. Here’s a breakdown of the details it provides:
**Featured Exhibitions:**
* **Vital Signs** at the Museum of Modern Art: This exhibition explores the human body through various artistic mediums, avoiding a carnival-like approach and encouraging reflection. It highlights diverse artists like Rosemary Mayer and Ted Joans.
* **Ceremonies out of the Air: Ralph Lemon** at MoMA PS1: This retrospective showcases the multifaceted work of choreographer Ralph Lemon, venturing beyond dance into visual and performance art. It includes a video and sound installation in collaboration with Kevin Beasley, drawings, sculptures, and special performances exploring the emotional body.
**Additional details:**
* The article mentions the writer (HV) placing “Vital Signs” on their best-of-the-year list.
* The review for Ralph Lemon’s exhibition includes an image of the installation.
* The article provides dates and locations for both exhibitions.
**Overall tone:**
the tone is positive and appreciative of both exhibitions, highlighting their unique approaches and the thought-provoking experiences they offer.
Exter seamlessly navigated the worlds of painting, drawing, filmmaking, traditional crafts, theater design, and fashion. Her artistry transcended boundaries, weaving together diverse styles and eras to create a captivating aesthetic world. Color and pattern served as both formal elements and conduits of emotion in her work.
A Collector’s Eye for Art
