10 NYC Art Shows to See in December

New York is currently home to a vibrant art scene, with a plethora of exhibitions showcasing a burst of color across various genres and styles. From grand sculptures incorporating everyday items to captivating hand-dyed textiles, the city is alive with multimedia maximalism. Here are some of the must-see shows that are currently on display:

1. Abstract Expressions: 7 Paintings by 7 Painters at Bienvenu Steinberg & C
   Through December 14
   This exhibition celebrates seven painters who pay homage to the legacy of the New York School. Each artist brings their unique visual vocabulary to the walls, creating large gestural paintings that are more of an event than an object. From luscious translucency to webs of radiant energy, these artists challenge the legacy of New York abstraction in their individualistic styles.

2. Your Patience Is Appreciated: An Inaugural Show at Marian Goodman Gallery
   Through December 14
   This inaugural exhibition at Marian Goodman’s new gallery space features works by a diverse range of artists, including Pierre Huyghe, Julie Mehretu, and Marcel Broodthaers. The show offers a mix of contemporary artworks, including large-scale installations and thought-provoking pieces that invite viewers to engage with the space and the art on display.

3. Jerome Caja: Ugly Pageant at Bortolami Gallery
   Through December 19
   Jerome Caja’s exhibition showcases small paintings on paper that reflect his unique approach to art. Using materials like glitter, nail polish, and collaged fabrics, Caja’s works delve into the grotesque with a touch of glamour. From portraits of drag queens to religious iconography, Caja’s art is a reflection of a world where beauty and ugliness coexist.

4. Andrea Geyer: Manifest at Hales
   Through December 20
   Andrea Geyer’s exhibition features beautifully sewn banners that deliver a poignant manifesto on the role of art museums in today’s society. Addressing themes like facing history without fear and creating a space to breathe, Geyer’s artworks challenge traditional notions of art and museums.

5. Anne Samat: The Origin of Savage Beauty at Marc Straus Gallery
   Through December 21
   Anne Samat’s exhibition explores themes of grief and loss through vibrant and totemic sculptures. Using everyday objects and materials, Samat creates installations that pay tribute to her lost loved ones, inviting viewers to reflect on memory and personal connections.

6. Bill Viola: The Raft at James Cohan Gallery
   Through December 21
   Bill Viola’s exhibition features his iconic video work "The Raft," which depicts a group of people being bombarded with water. The exhibition also includes other video pieces that explore the human form under different types of stress, offering a profound reflection on life and existence.

7. Jiha Moon: Fool’s Moon at Derek Eller Gallery
   Through December 21
   Jiha Moon’s exhibition features playful and thought-provoking artworks that explore themes of identity and assimilation. Using bananas as a metaphor for Asian American identity, Moon’s artworks offer a humorous and insightful commentary on cultural politics.

8. Simone Leigh at Matthew Marks Gallery
   Through December 21
   Simone Leigh’s sculptures of Black female figures exude a palpable aura, inviting viewers to engage with the artworks on a personal and emotional level. From headless figures to larger-than-life sculptures, Leigh’s art tells stories of dance, music, grief, and joy.

9. The Lady and the Unicorn: New Tapestry at Salon 94
   Through December 21
   This exhibition showcases contemporary textile artists who use natural dye processes and traditional weaving techniques to create stunning tapestries. From richly patterned works to ombré silk tapestries, the show offers a contemplative return to the body and materiality in art.

10. Pass Carry Hold: Studio Museum Artists in Residence 2023-24 at MoMA PS1
    Through February 10, 2025
    This exhibition features the works of artists in residence at the Studio Museum, exploring themes of ancestral and intuitive knowledge. Through multimedia sculptures, abstract textile pieces, and transformed clothing, the artists delve into family histories and transient moments.

    These exhibitions offer a diverse and immersive experience for art enthusiasts in New York City, showcasing the vibrant and dynamic art scene that the city has to offer. Don’t miss the chance to explore these captivating shows and immerse yourself in the world of contemporary art.