Art
How James Luna Exposed the Mechanisms of American Racism
Luna was preoccupied with self-presentation in a society that, in its pursuit of whiteness, has never been able to recognize Native Americans as individuals.
New York
In Brief
SCOTUS Declines to Review 5Pointz Case, Cementing Settlement for Artists
The Supreme Court declined G&M Realty’s petition to review the case, upholding a 2018 federal court ruling that awarded $6.7 million in damages to 21 artists at the site.
News
An Artist-led Vigil for Coronavirus Victims Mourned the 212,000 Dead
As the president continued to downplay the dangers of the virus, a group of artists and activists gathered on Tuesday to mourn the thousands of lives lost and urge the country to vote.
News
Virtual Auction Will Benefit the Bronx Documentary Center and Bronx Photographers
The BDC’s 6th annual photo auction benefit, open through October 22, features a diverse set of images that engage with issues of social justice and themes of social change.
Film
Steve McQueen Brings the Vibrancy of British Caribbean Communities to the Big Screen
With Mangrove, Lover’s Rock, and Red, White and Blue, McQueen’s Small Axe anthology emphasizes resilience and collective strength.
News
Amid Controversy, Nancy Spector Steps Down From the Guggenheim Museum
News of her resignation was accompanied by a report by the museum investigating accusations of racism made by curator Chaédria LaBouvier.
Art
Clutch Your Pearls: Ina Archer’s Cinematic Clapbacks
A razor-sharp rebuke of Hollywood’s penchant for stoking white supremacist fantasies, Osmundine (Orchid Slap) shatters any illusion that conforming to the standards of respectability will ever reward you.
News
Lynda Benglis Is Back — Knots, Pours, Dildos, and All
The patron saint of provocation is back with Early Work 1967-79, her first major New York show since 2011.
Art
Can Finding Joy Be Defiant in 2020?
In his drawings embellished with blossoms, artist Ronald Vill invites us to perceive 2020 as an exercise in defiant jubilance.
Art
The Luminous Blues of Ficre Ghebreyesus’s Painterly World
Foregrounding narratives of oceanic migration, Ghebreyesus’s paintings radiate power and serenity in vibrant shades of blue.
Art
After Viral Racist Encounter, Central Park Birder Shares Experience in Comic Form
A semi-fictionalized account of Christian Cooper’s own experiences, It’s a Bird takes on racist dog whistles with necessary straightforwardness.
Guide
Your Concise New York Art Guide for October 2020
Your list of must-see, fun, insightful, and very New York art events this month.