The holiday season can be hectic, but amidst all the chaos, taking a moment to appreciate art can be a rejuvenating experience for the mind and soul. Whether you’re drawn to the subtle humor of Thomas Schütte, the emotional depth of Ralph Lemon, or the aesthetic beauty of Alexandra Exter, there are plenty of art shows in New York City worth exploring. Here are a few shows that are definitely worth a visit:
Deshaun Price at 15 Orient: Price’s contemplative portraits of people and landscapes can be found at 15 Orient in Tribeca. The gallery space and the artwork seem unfinished, creating a sense of completeness in the show. Price’s figures invite viewers into a world where concepts of closeness, distance, solitude, and togetherness are constantly explored, leaving viewers with new questions about their place in the world.
Thomas Schütte at the Museum of Modern Art: Schütte’s sculptures are infused with dry humor, adding a human touch to his often academic forms. His “Melonely” series from 1986 is a highlight of the exhibition, playing with the concept of melancholy through whimsical watermelon shapes. The retrospective offers a rich tapestry of Schütte’s work for viewers to unravel and explore.
Alexandra Exter: The Stage Is a World at The Ukrainian Museum: This exhibition showcases over 30 works by the multi-talented artist Alexandra Exter, who was a prominent figure in avant-garde European art circles in the early 20th century. Exter seamlessly moved between painting, drawing, filmmaking, theater design, and fashion, creating a striking aesthetic world that combined color and pattern with formal and affective elements. The exhibition includes costume designs, paintings, and a film screening that bring Exter’s visual imagination to life.
Vital Signs: Artists and the Body at the Museum of Modern Art: This exhibition offers a cerebral exploration of the human body through various artworks that challenge viewers to think about their own bodies and connections to others. From Rosemary Mayer’s ethereal “Galla Placidia” to Ted Joans’s collaborative exquisite corpse, the works in the exhibition prompt reflection on the human form and its significance.
Ceremonies Out of the Air: Ralph Lemon at MoMA PS1: Renowned choreographer Ralph Lemon’s visual and performance art career takes center stage in this expansive exhibition. From a four-channel video and sound installation to dense drawings and sculptures, Lemon’s innovative approach to movement and form is on full display. The exhibition also features special musical and dance performances that delve into the emotions stored in our bodies, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in Lemon’s creative world.
Above Ground: Art from the Martin Wong Graffiti Collection at the Museum of the City of New York: This exhibition showcases the collection of artist Martin Wong, who was a pioneer in collecting graffiti from the artists themselves. The collection offers a rare glimpse into the raw and playful energy of graffiti art, curated with an artist’s eye for aesthetic challenge. Works by artists like Rammellzee, Lee Quiñones, Lady Pink, and Futura 2000 highlight a movement that continues to captivate audiences with its vibrant energy and artistic expression.
These art shows are a testament to the diverse and vibrant art scene in New York City, offering a range of experiences for art enthusiasts to enjoy during the holiday season and beyond. So take a break from the hustle and bustle, and immerse yourself in the creativity and beauty of these incredible exhibitions.
