New York is bustling this week with the reopening of a cherished Manhattan institution. Discover the significance of the sari in NYC, Gainsborough’s influence, Carol Bove’s work, and a unique experimental art space in Brooklyn.
The New Museum in Manhattan, which has been closed for two years, is set to reopen with New Humans, an exhibition exploring the human experience amid technological upheaval. Although press access to the futuristic building is restricted until tomorrow, we will provide our insights soon. Until then, explore our previous coverage of the museum’s reopening journey, the featured artists, and local opinions on its design, described as “hostile” and “corporate.” Share your thoughts when it opens this Sunday!
In addition, we highlight local stories beyond multimillion-dollar museum projects. Associate Editor Lakshmi Rivera Amin delves into the sari’s cultural and political significance in New York, while Eileen Isagon Skyers discusses how Thomas Gainsborough crafted status through portraiture. Seph Rodney shares his views on Carol Bove’s Guggenheim retrospective, and I introduce Subtitled NYC, a unique art space in Greenpoint.
Affordable Art Fair New York Spring 2026
The Affordable Art Fair is back at the Starrett-Lehigh building, showcasing 90 galleries with thousands of unique artworks priced from $100 to $12,000. From March 18–22, engage with curated installations, enjoy culinary delights, and immerse yourself in global art. Fall in love with collecting art!
The Sartorial Is Political in “The New York Sari”
According to Amin, the sari is more than just clothing; it’s an art form, family heirloom, document, and political symbol. A New York Historical exhibition showcases this notion with highlights such as the sari worn by city councilmember Shahana Hanif at her 2021 swearing-in and images of women in 1980s Queens.
Local Features
The Tiny Brooklyn Project Space Resisting the Gallery Machine
Upon discovering this noncommercial Greenpoint gallery, I encountered a haven for site-specific, process-oriented, and experimental art, fostering both creativity and community.
A Visual Journey Through 150 Years of the Legal Aid Society
Staff Writer Isa Farfan explores the rich history of the nation’s largest organization offering legal assistance to low-income individuals.
Indigenous Glass Art Clearly Shines in New York
Explore the vibrant glass art medium at the National Museum of the American Indian. Join a guided tour of Clearly Indigenous: Native Visions Reimagined in Glass and hear from artists Preston Singletary (Tlingit), Jody Naranjo (Kha’p’o Owingeh [Santa Clara Pueblo]), and Dan Friday (Lummi) on Saturday, March 21.
From Our Critics
Seph Rodney
Carol Bove at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
“This career survey’s issue is that much of what’s displayed seems to be what Bove has created over the past 25 years on the way to enlightenment.”
Read the full review
Eileen Isagon Skyers
Gainsborough: The Fashion of Portraiture at the Frick Collection
“Taste was promised to control luxury, refine desires, and demonstrate that wealth was deserved. Gainsborough’s career was built on realizing that promise visually.”
Read the full review
What Else is Happening?
- The New York Academy of Art will donate over $65,000 from Jeffrey Epstein-related funds to support sex trafficking survivors.
- Laura Phipps will lead the Gochman Collection of Indigenous Art as it plans a permanent exhibition space in Katonah.
- Art House Cinema Week, a celebration of independent theaters with free and discounted tickets and special screenings, is happening! (Fri Mar 20–Thurs Mar 26) [arthouseny.org]
- The Hill Art Foundation hosts a free screening of Peter Hujar’s Day (2025)! (Fri Mar 20) [Hill Art Foundation]
- Dear Friends Books in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn is hosting a ceramics artist opening party (Fri Mar 20) [Dear Friends Books]
- Say goodbye to the much-loved giant pigeon on the High Line! Bid farewell to Iván Argote’s “Dinosaur” with photoshoots, DJ sets, trivia, and a “special experience.” (Sat Mar 21) [thehighline.org]
- Arleene Correa Valencia will give an artist talk to complement her exhibition on Mexican migrant narratives at Fridman Gallery. (Sat Mar 21) [Fridman Gallery]
- Boyfriend Co-Op hosts Gaza in Our Hearts, a fundraiser market offering art prints, ceramics, tarot, and more. (Sat Mar 21) [Boyfriend Co-Op]
- Learn appliqué and paper-piece techniques at the Old Stone House in Park Slope as part of Lean In: A Small Quilt Show. (Sun Mar 22) [Old Stone House]
- Join nature educator Eman Rashid for a Nature Walk for Palestine, exploring native flora and fauna in Prospect Park. (Sun Mar 22) [Brooklyn Families for Palestine]
- Triskelion Arts, a Greenpoint-based dance artist support organization, has purchased its building. Congratulations! A remarkable feat in NYC. [Triskelion Arts]
