New York Newsletter
From Helene Schjerfbeck to Glenn Ligon, here’s what to read — and where to go when the snow clears.
Sometimes you can’t help but talk about the weather — like when a blizzard rolls through town, bringing with it almost two feet of snow. It’s a time to stay indoors, to turn inward — and not only because of Mayor Mamdani’s travel ban, which he announced with an earsplitting, cortisol-spiking alarm that united New Yorkers in fear.
Take this week as a short respite before March brings a back-to-back avalanche of blockbuster exhibitions: the Whitney Biennial, Carol Bove at the Guggenheim, and Raphael at the Met being just a shortlist. Scroll below to meditate on questions of how to tell the story of an already over-interpreted region like Appalachia; to learn about Helene Schjerfbeck, an artist who might be the Finnish Edvard Munch; to plunge into the depths of Glenn Ligon’s blues.
And if you’re brave enough to venture outside, the city that stops for nothing offers a ton to do: zine-making workshops, talks on the political future of art in NYC, lion dances, and a two-week documentary film festival that’ll transport you to locales that are hopefully a little warmer, a little drier.
— Lisa Yin Zhang, Associate Editor
On a February day in 1972, a coal slurry dam collapsed in West Virginia and released a tidal wave of black sludge, killing more than 100 people and leaving 4,000 homeless. The mining company responsible for the tragedy left the land toxic for decades, and survivors traumatized. Backström’s resultant works from nearly a decade of fieldwork in the region, O’Neill-Butler writes, make a case for working-class solidarity through a multilayered overview of this “nexus of environmental degradation, disaster capitalism, and intergenerational poverty.”
An Intimate Evening of Art and Impact at the National Arts Club
A rare chance to make art with Mickalene Thomas. March 6 at the National Arts Club. Limited tickets remain for HELP USA’s Art of Resilience cocktail benefit, featuring a hands-on creative experience drawn from the artist’s practice. Proceeds from this event will go towards supporting expressive arts therapy for New Yorkers experiencing homelessness. This initiative aims to provide a creative outlet for individuals facing challenges such as housing insecurity and economic instability. By harnessing the power of art, music, dance, and other forms of expression, the program seeks to promote healing, self-discovery, and empowerment among those in need.
Expressive arts therapy has been shown to have a positive impact on mental health and well-being. Through creative expression, individuals can explore their emotions, process trauma, and develop coping mechanisms. For homeless individuals who may face stigma, isolation, and a lack of access to traditional therapy, the arts can serve as a valuable tool for self-expression and connection.
By attending this event and purchasing a ticket, you are not only supporting a worthy cause but also contributing to the vibrancy and diversity of New York City’s cultural landscape. Your participation will help fund workshops, art supplies, and therapeutic services for those who need it most. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of our fellow New Yorkers and create a more inclusive and supportive community for all.
Secure your ticket now and join us in making a difference through the power of expressive arts therapy. Your support is invaluable and will have a lasting impact on the lives of those experiencing homelessness in our city. Let’s come together to create a brighter future for all New Yorkers, one brushstroke at a time.
