My Mayor Muslim, My Art Political
Street photographers hit the NYC streets; plus, an inside look at the Pace Gallery downsizing.
In a world saturated with fake images, documentary photography is more impactful than ever. And what better place for the intrepid street photographer than New York at this very moment, when the city is veritably humming with an auspicious overflow of good vibes? In today’s newsletter, artist Danielle De Jesus captures the euphoria of the Knicks’ historic victory, while photographer Arielle Shannon trains her lens on multigenerational joy at a sweaty NYC Pride March.
If you’re too hot to hit the pavement, you can always head Upstate for slightly lower temperatures and no less art to see. Local writer Taliesin Thomas takes us through the coolest and weirdest of this year’s Upstate Art Weekend, and artist Steel Stillman gathers community reflections on Nancy Shaver’s beloved Hudson store, Henry, which is sunsetting in mid-July.
Plus, Democratic Socialist Claire Valdez’s big primary win, Mayor Mamdani’s new World Cup initiative with the Whitney Museum, and artists and workers affected by the Pace downsizing speak out.
—Valentina Di Liscia, senior editor
Pace Gallery’s Hall of Mirrors
Despite a tightly controlled narrative, for some workers and artists, the mega-gallery’s downsizing has left more questions than answers. | Valentina Di Liscia and Rebecca Schiffman
Read More
Pratt Manhattan Gallery Moves “Beyond Digital” in New Exhibition
Exhibition of Pratt Digital Arts alumni explores technology, ecology, and emerging forms of intelligence.
Photographing the City
Capturing New York Pride at the Historic Knicks Parade
We ate bacon, egg, and cheese sandwiches and got to school by swiping MetroCards. We have our own language, style, and unmatched pride. We call NYC home. | Danielle De Jesus
Read MoreSee Photos From a Sweltering, Joyous NYC Pride March
I joined more than 75,000 marchers and one million spectators on Sunday, June 28, to document the parade on Stonewall’s 57th anniversary. | Arielle Shannon
Read MoreNew York's Queer Elders
Going Deep With Brenda Goodman
“I remember taking a plaid dress, tearing it up, and using it as paint rags,” the 83-year-old painter tells me in a knee-to-knee interview at her studio. | Mala Iqbal
Read MoreRichard Tsao’s “Sanuk” Art
In an interview with Hyperallergic, the artist known for his “Flood Room” paintings compares his decades-long practice to “the need for food.” | AX Mina
Read MoreEd Woodham in All the Odd Places
The beloved artist and public art champion discusses his work, activism, and queerness in an interview with Hyperallergic. | Hakim Bishara
Read MoreBy the Force of Flavia Rando’s Presence
Once a member of the Gay Liberation Front and Radicalesbians, the pathbreaking queer artist and educator continues to stir the pot. | Alexis Clements
Read MoreUpstate New York
At Upstate Art Weekend, Cars and Barns Are Galleries
During the seventh annual event, hundreds of artists proved that art has never been confined to “white cube” galleries. | Taliesin Thomas
Read MoreNancy Shaver’s Beloved Store in Hudson to Close After 30 Years
For many, Henry is a lot more than just another Upstate New York antiques shop. | Steel Stillman
Read MoreWhat Else Is Happening?
- Democratic Socialist Claire Valdez, an artist and New York State Assemblywoman, clinches the Democratic nomination to represent New York’s 7th Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives in a landslide victory the primary.
- Hundreds of New York City artists including Nan Goldin and Molly Crabapple have joined a campaign to urge New York City schools to implement a two-year “moratorium” on artificial intelligence in the classroom.
- New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is bringing soccer fever to the Whitney Museum of American Art. Those who complete a poster art activity from artist Rich Tu — creating a poster inspired by the World Cup — will will get into the museum for free.
- Join the Bloodlines Interwoven band at National Sawdust for a night of music to celebrate the premiere of the Bloodlines Interwoven documentary, showcasing how the band uses cultural exchange and personal histories as a springboard for making ecstatic new music. (Wed July 1) [nationalsawdust.org]
- Dive deeper into Wave Hill's current exhibitions with a public gallery tour of solo and group shows that explore the relationships between nature, culture, and site. (Thurs July 2) [wavehill.org]
- Celebrate summer with live jazz on Thursday evenings at Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Bring a blanket to stretch out and enjoy the music, presented in partnership with local arts organizations. (Thurs July 2) [bbg.org]
- The Art Collective Cafe is hosting an opening reception for Helene Ruiz's art show NYC Then, Now and Always. The evening features an extensive lineup of live poetry and live music. (Fri July 3) [Art Collective Cafe]
- Join in a convening of artists at Lower Manhattan Cultural Council's CATCH Performance Series for an unruly evening of performance that will be a raucous reconsideration of a loaded holiday. (Sunday, July 5). [lmcc.net]
- Join Long Gallery Harlem for an afternoon of live painting with artist Daniel J. Watts, featuring his signature freestyle dance painting technique. (Sat July 4) [Long Gallery Harlem]
- Visit the Armory to see artist Céleste Boursier-Mougenot's aquatic and musical installation. (Ongoing) [armoryonpark.org]
