2020: A Year in Review

Happy New Year!

We made it! It’s been a whirlwind of a year marked by sweeping event cancellations, travel restrictions, online viewing rooms and job losses in the art world. But with so much loss shines an opportunity to evolve and be innovative with our available resources and connections. Below I’m sharing our highlights from the 2020 year.

Thank you for your support. We wish you peace and success in the new year.

Photograph by Hadassi

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W1 Curates x Amplifier

When quarantine hit and we were at our lowest, it was our goal to ignite the people of London with artwork that promoted public safety, well-being and visions for the future. In response to Covid-19, we collaborated with W1 Curates and Amplifier to hold a global call for artists to create a digital public art installation on the facade of Flannels flagship store located on London’s iconic Oxford Street. There were tens of thousands of entries, and we raised over £100,000 that went back to the winning artists.

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Pascal Sender with Maximillian Siegenbruk

House of Togetherness

House of Togetherness, a collaborative exhibition with Harlesden High Street in central London, brought together four emerging artists, Pascal Sender, Sally Kindberg, Maximillian Siegenbruk and Emmanuel Awuni, who utilize painting and sculpture to address the contemporary notion of new materials to emphasize different contexts and establish a new language of complexities in a world where it’s every man for itself, a reflection of the contemporary art world. Unfortunately due to the Covid-19 lockdown, after working months to bring the show together, we were only permitted to have one opening night before shutting the exhibition down the next day.

Sally Kindberg with Maximillian Siegenbruk

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COLLECTING 101 with

Beth Redmond

With a desire to reach out when it felt like the world just needed more communication and inspiration, we started a new series collaboration with The Art Gorgeous titled Collecting 101. We found the most knowledgeable and inspiring female collectors in the art world to educate art lovers and future collectors on the cryptic art of collecting. Interviewees have included inspiring women like Alejandra Castro Rioseco, founder of MIA, a private art collection with a global footprint aimed at promoting women artists and their work, and board member of the eagerly anticipated Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, as well as Aloisia Leopardi, a young collector who started her own new residency program in southern Italy called the Castello San Basilio in Basilicata.

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Christopher Hartmann

HerStory

Together with the nonprofit Beauty for Freedom, we organized HERSTORY, an exhibition to benefit Beauty for Freedom, along with three additional Black-led, women-led grassroots initiatives who empower women and girls of color, battle human trafficking, and support victims of sexual violence. HERSTORY was a chance to support grassroots movements led by women of color who are making real positive change throughout the world, starting in local communities. This critical narrative speaks to the possibilities of creating lasting change during this global movement currently fighting oppressive forces in our troubling era of worldwide health crisis, escalating poverty, ongoing state-sanctioned murders, and mounting authoritarian rule across the globe. Through their community, Beauty for Freedom donated over $350,000 in supplies for the arts, facilitated over 20,000 hours of volunteerism in anti-trafficking movements and created workshops for over 3,000 survivors of human trafficking. Profits from the sales were split between the artists and the organizations. 

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Art She Says

This summer, I spent my time reconnecting with nature in the English countryside where my attention was drawn to one particular animal — sheep! In one of my favorite interviews of the year, I curated a selection for Art She Says that highlights sheep as they are featured in works of art from old masters to the present day. 

“Sheep have been a popular motif from Raphael paintings to the latest cover of Vogue. Who would have thought that sheep could be so interesting?”

She Curates Interview

Daria, how would you describe what you do in a few words? 

DB: Passion, Focus, Dedication. I am a curator, art advisor and activist who is passionate about supporting emerging artists and advocating for gender equality. 

If you could have a meal with any artist from any time:

a) what would the meal be, and 

b) who would it be with, and why? 

DB: I would definitely visit Georgia O'Keeffe's house in New Mexico and try her famous homemade bread. O’Keefe was a serious health food enthusiast and lived to be 98 years old. She was always seeking to be artistic in every aspect of her life. 

Tell me about your earliest memory surrounding art, and when did you decide to pursue a career in art?

DB: Growing up in the Russian countryside, I wasn’t really exposed to art until I started traveling when I would visit museums and attend openings. But my first real interaction within the art world probably happened when I visited an art collective in Soho NY. I fell in love with the artist lifestyle- no 9-5, Monday to Friday grind. Rather, they had the flexibility and freedom to focus on creating. To have that pure freedom and to be surrounded by art was beautiful. The owner of the collective saw my passion and asked me to help with an art auction to help fundraise for a new space. I never looked back since.

What was your first position in the ‘art world’? 

DB: I met many artists in New York who became my friends, and I was helping some of them to organize exhibitions. I worked on many events and exhibitions for different artists. I started sharing these experiences on my social media, and collectors started reaching out to me to buy directly from the studio. So I learned how to sell art :) 

And do you have a top tip for someone starting out in the art world? 

DB: Energy and passion is 70% of success. If you don’t have it, always be nice to everyone you meet because the art world can be small. The art world is built on relationships, and you never know who you’ll meet. So keep yourself open to opportunities, and be nice. Also, I think if you’re serious about building a good reputation for yourself, you should pick a few artists to focus on and really learn everything you can on them. For me, I started studying Richard Hambleton and other street artists, learned as much as I could and connected myself to more people with the same interest. In time, business will come to you because you have connections, the passion and the expertise.

What was the first piece of artwork you bought/collected, and what is the jewel in your art collection Daria? 

DB: Since my journey started in New York, I befriended a number of street and graffiti artists who gifted me works through the years. My first one was a small painting from Paul Insect, and my jewel is a work by my favorite artist, Richard Hambleton. 

This is a tricky one I know! - If you could own any piece of artwork, what would that work be, and where would you hang it? 

DB: White Center (Yellow, Pink and Lavender on Rose) by Mark Rothko, and I would put it in my storage for now. Something that good goes straight to storage! I would also love a major painting by Cecily Brown, a Nurse painting by Richard Prince, or a Word painting by Christopher Wool. 

What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you? 

DB: I’m self-taught and never went to art school or was exposed to art at a young age. I learned everything through experience and passion, and also my two mentors, Rick Librizzi and Ghada Dergham. 

What has been your experience of the creative world so far? 

DB: Never-ending rollercoaster adventure. 

How would you reframe the conversation around art to get more people involved? 

DB: I think there’s this tendency to think of art as something that is out of reach, or only accessible to those with money. In the past, art was something only the upper class and aristocrats had access to, but now it’s available to everyone in different forms. Social media, and Instagram specifically, have completely democratized the art world by creating new entry points of accessibility and communication. You don’t have to be in New York or London to participate in this world, but rather, you can look to Instagram or even your local art scene to be a part of it. Everyone can be involved in different ways, and you meet the most interesting people through art.

What are some things you’re committed to fulfilling in your career? 

DB: It’s important to me to build a reputation as someone who instantly recognizes emerging talents and who is able to place works with the right collectors. Nothing makes me happier than discovering a new talent. I also love doing charity work, and believe this is something to continue in my career. Art is an amazing tool that builds empathy and brings like-minded people together for good causes. 

What has been the highlight of your career so far Daria? 

DB: A couple of years ago, I co-curated the Project Ghana art exhibition for Beauty for Freedom, and it was a really beautiful experience. Our goal was to empower young trafficking survivors as artists and creatives while raising funds for the rescue, recovery, education and reintegration of more survivors in Ghana. 100% of the proceeds of the artwork sold went to Challenging Heights, a Ghanaian anti-trafficking organization, and JR’s Inside Out Project. More recently, ending this June, we wrapped a project in response to Covid-19 with W1 Curates and Amplifier where we held a global call for artists for a digital public art installation in London. There were tens of thousands of entries, and we raised over £100,000 that went back to the winning artists. 

What is your greatest indulgence in life? 

DB: Taking a day off that I’m not supposed to! I love to have fun, travel, eat good food and spend time with friends and family. Days where I can put the work away, put the phone down, seem like a luxury. 

Looking ahead, what do you think could be your biggest challenge? 

DB: Maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

What would be your dream project? 

DB: My dream is to have a big house where I can host artists for residency and exhibit their work. Host big dinners for art lovers. I love bringing people together.

Is there something that you and She Curates could work on together? 

DB: I’m currently curating a show for a non-profit organization called Beauty for Freedom. #HERSTORY is an art exhibit that will raise funds for organizations founded and led by women of color from the US and Africa in honor of International Day of the Girl Child. The day aims to highlight and address the needs and challenges girls face, while promoting girls' empowerment and the fulfillment of their human rights. We are looking for more artists and media to support the project. 50% of the proceeds will be donated to support the non-profit beneficiaries and 50% of the proceeds of the artwork sales would go directly to the artists.

Daria, who is your favourite historical female artist?

DB: Georgia O'Keeffe, Frida Kahlo, Hilma af Klint, Augusta Savage, Judy Chicago

And who are your favourite current practicing women artists (as many as you like) + Instagram handles? 

DB:

Betty Tomkins

Jenny Saville

Cecily Brown

Tracey Emin

Loie Hollowell

Shara Hughes

Kara Walker

Louise Bonnet

Jade Fadojutimi

Claire Tabouret

Genieve Figgis

Jesse Mockrin

Who should She Curates interview next (as many as you like)

DB:

Anne Verhallen

Vajra Sarcadia

Destinee Ross-Sutton

Beth Redmond

Angeliki Kim Jonson

Is there anything else you wanted to say Daria? 

DB: Thank you She Curates for promoting art and empowering women in the art world!

The English Countryside: Counting Sheep

Special feature by ArtSheSays

I think we can agree that 2020 has been a strange year for all of us. Personally, my summer in the UK has been spent reconnecting with nature in the British countryside. In particular, my attention has been drawn to one particular animal that I can't help but be fascinated by- sheep! And apparently, I'm not the only one. Sheep have been a popular motif, from Raphael paintings to the latest cover of Vogue. Who would have thought that sheep could be so interesting?

This selection highlights sheep as they are featured in works of art from old masters to the present day. 

The Holy Family With a Lamb, Raphael, 1507, oil on panel

This composition shows Saint Anne gripping the Virgin, who tries to keep her son from embracing the lamb, a symbol of sacrifice and surrender.

Our English Coasts, William Holman Hun, 1852, oil on canvas

A picturesque, romantic painting of sheep along the coast of Sussex was painted en plein air, despite the cold and rainy weather in the fall and winter of 1852. This sheep painting was considered quite an adventurous composition for Hun at the time.

Spring, Pablo Picasso, 1965, oil on canvas

In Mediterranean culture, the first born lamb was the epitome of victory and spring. Picasso's lamb portrayal is a hope for future happiness.

Bighorn Ram (from the series, Endangered Species), Andy Warhol, 1983, silkscreen

Commissioned by friend and publisher, Ron Feldman and his wife Freyda, Warhol created a series of ten endangered species, including the bighorn ram, to raise awareness and environmental consciousness. This series of "animals in makeup," as Warhol fondly put it, are displayed as larger than life and in signature pops of color.

(Courtesy of Menashe Kadishman)

Sheep Head B, Menashe Kadisman, 1979, screenprint on paper

The sheep was both a symbol of human sacrifice, and a reminder of Kadishman's youth when he worked as a shepherd on Ma'ayan Baruch, a kibbutz in Northern Israel.

(Courtesy of Damien Hirst and Science Ltd.)

Away from the flock, Damien Hirst, 1994,  Glass, stainless steel, Perspex, acrylic paint, lamb and formaldehyde solution

As the title suggests, a single sheep takes on new meaning when it is away from its flock. Hirst has commented that this single sheep is an outsider, not connected to anything, including the "flock of living things."

(Courtesy of Julian Opie)

Sheep 1 (from Nature 1 series), Julian Opie, 2014, vinyl on wall

Growing up with the English art of the post-war St. Ives School, Opie's familiar reductive line work is a blend of pop art and minimalism. Taking the familiar, and then reintroducing the object, or animal, to create a new mood. In his words, the St. Ives mood is "plain, modest and innocent, often lovely and occasionally cloying. I find myself contrasting this longing, wide-eyed, cool and natural quality with elements of our urban, post-industrial, somewhat ruined world." - Julian Opie

British Vogue August 2020 "Reset" Issue, Martin Parr

Photographer Parr is one of fourteen artists commissioned to celebrate the natural world by allowing readers to enjoy nature from their own home. Parr's landscape, featuring two spring lambs, speaks to the joy and diversity of the British landscape. "The most unexpected small things can have a sense of mystery when you photograph them, and the presence of the black lamb is transfixing.”  -Martin Parr. The original artworks will be auctioned to raise money for COVID-19-focused charities at the end of the year.

EXHIBITIONS TO SEE THIS MONTH IN LA THAT OPENED IN TANDEM WITH FRIEZE LA

By: Anne Verhallen

After a very successful inaugural fair in 2019, Frieze Los Angeles presented its second edition last week. These days art fairs seem to offset an accumulation of art activations, fantastic gallery exhibitions and well-curated cultural programs in public and membership environments such as NeueHouse who partnered up with Frieze to facilitate the Frieze VIP members. 

This year’s Frieze Los Angeles was at full capacity by 11 AM, an hour after the opening, leaving the VIP’s waiting in line on opening day. The fair felt younger, with a Focus L.A. sector that presents local galleries under 15 years. Some of the favorite presentations this year were; Avery Singer presented by Hauser and Wirth, Sayre Gomex presented in the Focus L.A. by François Ghebaly Gallery, James Turrell presented by Pace Gallery and Griffin Corcoran, works by Alvaro Barrington presented by Sadie Collins and a group show including the Richard Prince Car presented by Gagosian curated around the concept of what shapes Los Angeles.

It was a week full of opening exhibitions, first private events then public events for all shows. The vast amount of great works presented in tandem with the fair was too much to see in just a day or a week. This article will offer you some guidance and give a selection of 6 must-see exhibitions in Los Angeles this month.

All of Them Witches, curated by Laurie Simmons and Dan Nadel. Jeffrey Deitch, Los Angeles, 2020. Photos by Joshua White.

“All of Them Witches” - Jeffrey Deitch February 8 –  April 11, 2020 925 North Orange Drive, Los Angeles

Organized by writer and curator Dan Nadel and artist and photographer Laurie Simmons, ‘All of Them Witches’ presents over 40 artists, including leading female artists such as Maril Minter, Judy chicago, Kik Smith, Judith Bernstein,  Nancy Spero, and Lisa Yuskavage amongst others. The Exhibition was conceived after an initial conversation between Nadel and Simmons led by the discovery of Austé Peciuca in which they discovered their common interest in gothic drawing and filmmaking.

The Scarlet Woman, 2020 - Ariana Papademetropoulos
All of Them Witches, curated by Laurie Simmons and Dan Nadel. Jeffrey Deitch, Los Angeles, 2020. Photos by Joshua White.

The exhibition starts with 3 works by Ellen Berkenblit, called “Electric Lace,’ ‘What Then Found,’ 2019, ‘Beauty. Knowledge. Pleasure. Art. Darkness. Sex. Love. Life,’ 2019.

The layout of the exhibition demands the viewer to walk in a circle through the space to view the overwhelming amount of artworks, with the work installed side by side and in little rooms in between. The exhibition has an impressive collection of strong paintings, videos, multimedia, sculptural works and installations making this groupshow is an absolute must-see.

Installation view of ‘I Guess By Now I’m Supposed To Be A Man: I’m Just Trying To Leave Behind Yesterday.’ Courtesy UTA Artist Space

Arcmanoro Niles: ’I Guess By Now I’m Supposed To Be A Man: I’m Just Trying To Leave Behind Yesterday.’ At UTA Artist Space
February 12th - March 14th
403 Foothill Rd. Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Arcmanoro Niles, is a Washington born, and Brooklyn based artist. Since graduating from the New York Academy of Art in 2015 the artist has been making a name for himself. In the last 5 years Niles has shown two solo exhibitions at Rachel Uffner Gallery and was included in the group show ‘Punch’ at Jeffrey Deitch.

'Show Me I'm Not Shattered (Try To Ignore The Elephant Somehow),’ 2020
Photo credit Stan Narten. Courtesy of the artist and Rachel Uffner Gallery. Copyright Arcmanoro Niles

‘I Guess By Now I’m Supposed to Be A Man: I’m Just Trying To Leave Behind Yesterday.’ presents seven large scale paintings in the mainroom of UTA artist space and some smaller portraits in the side room.  

The series of large scale portraits are painted in Niles signature saturated colors. The works reflect on how our personal life journey is affected by experiences, relationships and events on our path. These forces of experiences are depicted as outlined caricatures in the corner or side of the paintings. The life journey is resembled by the variety of age of the figures in each painting, the exhibition starts with a small child playing on the floor, other works depict an older man or an adolescent. The works feel like family portraits in vibrant color, until you look closer and feel the seriousness that Niles refers to.

Installation view, ‘Nicolas Party. Sottobosco,’Hauser & Wirth Los Angeles,2020
©Nicolas Party Courtesy the artist and Hauser & Wirth
Photo:JoshuaWhite / JWPictures

‘Nicolas Party: Sottobosco,’ - Hauser & Wirth Los Angeles 13 Feb – 12 Apr 2020 901-909 E 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90013

It is undeniable that Nicolas Party has been receiving great recognition for his work in the last years. It came to no surprise that Hause & Wirth’s opening on the night before Frieze Los Angeles was very well attended, everyone seemed to have made it to Hauser & Wirth popular downtown location.

Portrait with Snakes, 2019 © Nicolas Party. Courtesy the artist and Hauser & Wirth Photo: Jeff McClane

Party’s work completely transformed the galleries of the Hauser & Wirth building with his signature murals and installations. The show comprises figurative and landscape paintings, as well as sculptures alongside the site specific murals. The exhibition completely submerges you into the artist’s world, with a perfect balance between the complementary colors in each room, serene landscapes and attention seeking portraits, as well as a variety of shapes and sizes, the exhibition is an absolute joy.  

Lucio Fontana ‘Ambiente spaziale’ [Spatial Environment] 1949
Colored ink on photograph 21 x 17 cm / 8 1/4 x 6 3/4 in © Fondazione Lucio Fontana by SIAE 2020 Courtesy Fondazione Lucio Fontana, Milano Photo: Federico Torra

‘Lucio Fontana. Walking the Space: Spatial Environments, 1948 – 1968’ - Hauser & Wirth Los Angeles
13 February – 12 April 2020
901-909 E 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Hauser & Wirth has proven to understand the importance of creating environments and installations and seems to have recognized the cravings of the audience to have all senses tickled.

‘Lucio Fontana. Walking the space: Spatia; Environments, 1948 -1968’ is a surprising presentation of reconstructed installation works by Lucio Fontana first conceived in the 50s and 60s. From rooms made out of slippery carpets to dark rooms with neon or light installations, the exhibition is dynamic and interactive. For many of us Fontana is the artist of the famous sliced one colored canvas, yet we remain unfamiliar with his other important works. This exhibition celebrates Fontana as an important contributor to conceptual art, and proves him to be way ahead of the curve!

Lucio Fontana, Spatial Environment, 1967, Ambiente spaziale [Spatial Environment] 1967Installation view,‘ Lucio Fontana. Ambienti/Environments’,Pirelli HangarBicocca, Milan, 2017 © Fondazione Lucio Fontana by SIAE 2020. Courtesy Pirelli Hangar Bicocca, Milan. Photo: Agostino Osio.

‘Lucio Fontana. Walking the space: Spatia; Environments, 1948 -1968’ is a surprising presentation of reconstructed installation works by Lucio Fontana first conceived in the 50s and 60s. From rooms made out of slippery carpets to dark rooms with neon or light installations, the exhibition is dynamic and interactive. For many of us Fontana is the artist of the famous sliced one colored canvas, yet we remain unfamiliar with his other important works. This exhibition celebrates Fontana as an important contributor to conceptual art, and proves him to be way ahead of the curve!

Installation view of 50+50: A Creative Century from Chouinard to CalArts at REDCAT, February 2020. Image by Rafael Hernandez, Courtesy of CalArt

50+50: A Creative Century from Chouinard to CalArts at REDCAT
February 12, 2020 to Sunday, March 22, 202
631 West 2nd Street, Los Angeles

California Institute of Art is a private art university that has been educating leading artists since the 70s, making the year 2021 their 50th anniversary. It is also the 100th anniversary of the forerunner Institute Chouinard. 
‘A Creative Century from Chouinard to CalArts’ is an artist-led scholarship endowment initiative and marks and celebrates the decades of championing creativity, education, expression and critical reflection.

Installation view of 50+50: A Creative Century from Chouinard to CalArts at REDCAT, February 2020.
Image by Rafael Hernandez, Courtesy of CalArt

Organized by Carmen Amengual, the inaugurated exhibition is presented at the REDCAT gallery and features the following artists: John Baldessar, Annie Collier, Laddie John Dill, Joe goode, Naotaka Hiro, Tony Oursler, Gala Porras-kim, Stephen prina, Barbara T Smith, Carrie Mae Weems. The exhibitions feel like a true celebration of creativity and joy, I look forward to seeing more of the initiative.

Kathleen Ryan, Bad Fruit, François Ghebaly, Los Angeles. February 15 - March 29, 2020.
Courtesy of the Artist and François Ghebaly, Los Angeles. Photo: Ian Byers-Gamber.

‘Kathleen Ryan: Bad Fruit’ - François Ghebaly Gallery
February 15 - March 29, 2020
2245 E Washington Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90021

Kathleen Ryan lives and works in New York city, and is known for creating large scale sculptures using a mix of materials such as concrete, cast iron, carved marble and precious stones.  
In her series made in 2019 she criticizes our culture of overabundance and overconsumption with a series of rotten fruit made out of foam and a large amount of beads made out of semi-precious stones.

Kathleen Ryan, Bad Grapes, 2020.
Courtesy of the Artist and François Ghebaly, Los Angeles. Photo: Ian Byers-Gamber.

For the exhibition ‘Bad Fruit’ the artist created two separate large installations of decaying fruits. One installation resembles an oversized bundle of grapes, beautifully colored in darker purples, greens and blues indicating the aging process of picked fruits. The second installation comprises a few smaller and larger sculptures that resemble scattered pieces of melon. The melon sculptures are made with the exterior of an airstream trailer and include beautiful red and pink colored semi-precious stones. Both installations are breathtaking with their beautiful stones and vibrant colors, yet there is an unpleasant look to the works that demonstrates Ryan’s subject matter.

Kathleen Ryan, Bad Fruit, François Ghebaly, Los Angeles. February 15 - March 29, 2020.
Courtesy of the Artist and François Ghebaly, Los Angeles. Photo: Ian Byers-Gamber.

Happy New Year

It is the end of the year and the beginning of a new decade, the past year has been full of excitement and changes. We look back on some of our highlights in 2019!

Frieze LA debut

Early this past year, Frieze presented its first Frieze LA fair at the Paramount Pictures Studies, celebrating the city’s new role within the art industry. Frieze presented ‘Frieze Projects’ at the New York City backlot of the studios, ‘Frieze Talks’ and ‘Frieze Music.’ The fair accommodated more than 30.000 visitors, and Los Angeles was taken over by a number of satellite fairs and art activations. 

Los Angeles has growing influential in the art industry, many leading galleries have opened up new multi-gallery spaces in the city. During Frieze LA, Gagosian presented a new body of work by Sterling Ruby in a pop-up space, Jeffrey Deitch opened ‘People,’ an exhibition that included 50 standing, sitting and hanging figurative sculptures, and Hauser and Wirth presented a comprehensive exhibitions of Annie Leibovitz earlier works. 

Museums such as Lacma, The Broad and MOCA have put together influential contemporary exhibitions that contributed to the importance of LA in our contemporary culture. During the Frieze art week the Marciano Foundation presented an exhibitions of Ai WeiWei’s work including a new piece about the global refugee crisis, and LACMA presented ‘Rauschenberg: ¼ Mile.’

The Brant Foundation - Jean Michael Basquiat

The Brant Foundation has presented a great deal of historical artworks with a focus on promoting education and appreciation around contemporary art. This past year they opened their second location in the East Village in New York City. The building was originally designed for Consolidated Edison and later served as the home and studio of the late artist Walter the Maria. The building is beautifully renovated and the Brant Foundation inaugurated the new space with a presentation of Jean Michael Basquiat's entire oeuvre, presenting some of his most well-known works. The exhibition was one of the most talked about and celebrated exhibitions in the city this year.  

The Whitney Biennial 2019

The Whitney Biennial is one of the most important American contemporary art surveys presenting important emerging and newly established artists reflecting on our contemporary culture. The Biennial event attracts a lot of attention and critique often directed toward the art and curations of the exhibitions. This year the critique was directed towards the leadership of the museum, resulting in eight artists requesting their artwork to be removed from the gallery walls. 

Before the opening of the exhibition one artist declined the invitation to the event due to the involvement of Warren Kander’s as co-chair of the museum board. Kander’s company distributes military equipment include teargas. Other artists expressed their disappointment of the association of Kander’s with the museum but were far into the fabrication of their work. After the opening of the exhibition, they also requested the removal of their works from the museum walls. 

This event was one of the defining moments of the year and decade. Artists criticizing the leadership of museums was a recurring phenomenon, with Nan Goldin as leader of the movement. Nan Goldin protested again the Sackler family and their involvement with many leading institutions around the world, demanding museums to remove their name from gallery walls and declining donations from the family. Tate Modern, The National Portrait Gallery, Louvre, and the Metropolitan Museum in New York City all supported her protests and dissociated themselves from the family.

Rise Of Tribeca Art Scene

On a beautiful Friday in September many galleries opened their doors for the very first time in Tribeca New York. The evening was packed with art fanatics and professionals all full of true excitement. The neighborhood felt like the old Downtown New York art scene in Soho, with its beautiful architecture. Chelsea gallery district has become expensive and extremely dense, whereas Tribeca has recently become more spacious with retail becoming extinct. The spaces in Tribeca have beautiful high ceilings, classic architecture and often lots of storage space. Monica King has been a longtime player in the industry and is now flying solo for the very first time with her new gallery on Lispenard street, a block away from James Cohen gallery which moved down from Chelsea.

The Whitney Biennial 2019

The Whitney Biennial is one of the most important American contemporary art surveys presenting important emerging and newly established artists reflecting on our contemporary culture. The Biennial event attracts a lot of attention and critique often directed toward the art and curations of the exhibitions. This year the critique was directed towards the leadership of the museum, resulting in eight artists requesting their artwork to be removed from the gallery walls. 

Before the opening of the exhibition one artist declined the invitation to the event due to the involvement of Warren Kander’s as co-chair of the museum board. Kander’s company distributes military equipment include teargas. Other artists expressed their disappointment of the association of Kander’s with the museum but were far into the fabrication of their work. After the opening of the exhibition, they also requested the removal of their works from the museum walls. 

This event was one of the defining moments of the year and decade. Artists criticizing the leadership of museums was a recurring phenomenon, with Nan Goldin as leader of the movement. Nan Goldin protested again the Sackler family and their involvement with many leading institutions around the world, demanding museums to remove their name from gallery walls and declining donations from the family. Tate Modern, The National Portrait Gallery, Louvre, and the Metropolitan Museum in New York City all supported her protests and dissociated themselves from the family.

Alla Horska: ‘Heroine’ curated by Daria Borisova presented by White Ribbon and Stella Foundation

White Ribbon, presented a series of fine-art exhibition in Ukraine as part of their global initiative ‘16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence Towards Women and Girls.’ The three exhibitions featured the renowned artist-and human rights activist Alla Horska who was killed in the 1960s by the NKVD, and was presented in partnership with the Stella Foundation. The exhibitions are curated by by Daria Borisova and Vladyslav Tuzov at three separate locations; the Ukrainian parliament, America House Kyiv and Kuindzhi Museum of Modern Art in the city of Mariupol.

White Ribbon is the world’s largest male initiative against domestic violence toward women. The ‘16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence towards Women and Girls’ is organized by White Ribbon’s Ukrainian representatives and takes place from November 25th till December 19th every year. During the White Ribbon days, the non-profit organization conducts an awareness campaign. The days are supported by the Democracy Fund of the US Embassy in Ukraine. 

Alla Horska was an Ukrainian contemporary artist, born September 18, 1929. Horska was a pioneer in socialist realistic, primitive and nonconformist art movements. She was an active social rights activist in the 1960s. Due to the political and nationalistic content of her artwork, many of her works were destroyed and banned to be displayed in public. 

WinteR Show curated by Daria Borisova

WinteR Show is a group show celebrating emerging talent in London, presented at Harlesden Highstreet and curated by Daria Borisova. The show presents artists from all realms of artistic practices including painting, sculpture, installation, and photography. The Show opened on December 14th and will be open till January 15th 2020. 

The exhibition celebrates Diversity, inviting us to come together in this time of growing polarisation. WinteR Show reflects on London’s contemporary culture, creating a platform to catalyse conversation on the social and cultural issues of today. Participating artists include Bex Massey, Valerie Savchits, Alexander James, Natalia Anastasiou, Stefano Cannella, David King Reuben, Seulgi Kang, Adam Zoltowski, Paul Abbott, Adam Baker and Anna Kenneally.

WinteR Show focuses on the upcoming generation and brings ten artists together who engage in our contemporary language by exploring themes of history, feminism, social media, capitalism, suppression and diversity. This exhibition amplifies the power of the visual arts as a universal language utilized by artists to bring us together over our collective and personal experiences.

BROADWAYWORLD: 'WinteR Show' Comes to Harlesden Highstreet

By: BWW News Desk

WinteR Show is a group show celebrating emerging talent in London, presented at Harlesden Highstreet and curated by Daria Borisova.The group exhibition is presented over a five-room exhibition space at Harlesden High Street, a gallery and artist studio, which aims to bridge social and cultural gaps against the homogeneity found in the contemporary art world.

The show presents artists from all realms of artistic practices including painting, sculpture, installation, and photography. A celebration of diversity, inviting us to come together in this time of growing polarisation. WinteR Show reflects on London's contemporary culture, creating a platform to catalyse conversation on the social and cultural issues of today. Participating artists include Bex Massey, Valerie Savchits, Alexander James, Natalia Anastasiou, Stefano Cannella, David King Reuben, Seulgi Kang, Adam Zoltowski, Paul Abbott, Adam Baker and Anna Kenneally.

WinteR Show celebrates the upcoming generation as one focused on activism in contemporary culture. Borisova is proud to bring ten artists together who engage in our contemporary language by exploring themes of history, feminism, social media, capitalism, suppression and diversity. This exhibition amplifies the power of the visual arts as a universal language utilized by artists to bring us together over our collective and personal experiences.

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FAD Magazine: WinteR Show is a group show celebrating emerging talent in London opening at Harlesden High Street

Paul Abbott Old English (Passenger) 2019 Rover 800 nearside door shell, glass, mirror, media player, Dimensions variable.

By: Mark Westall

WinteR Show is a group show celebrating emerging talent in London, presented at Harlesden High street and curated by Daria Borisova.

The show presents artists from all realms of artistic practices including painting, sculpture, installation, and photography. A celebration of diversity, inviting us to come together in this time of growing polarisation. WinteR Show reflects on London’s contemporary culture, creating a platform to catalyse conversation on the social and cultural issues of today. Participating artists include Bex Massey, Valerie Savchits, Alexander James, Natalie Anastasiou, Stefano Cannella, David King Reuben, Seulgi Kang, Adam Zoltowski, Paul Abbott, Adam Baker and Anna Kenneally.

Adam Baker Line Up 2019

WinteR Show celebrates the upcoming generation as one focused on activism in contemporary culture. Borisova is proud to bring ten artists together who engage in our contemporary language by exploring themes of history, feminism, social media, capitalism, suppression and diversity. This exhibition amplifies the power of the visual arts as a universal language utilized by artists to bring us together over our collective and personal experiences.

Natalie Anastasiou Carp Diem, 2018

The group exhibition is presented over a five-room exhibition space at Harlesden High Street, a gallery and artist studio, which aims to bridge social and cultural gaps against the homogeneity found in the contemporary art world.

WinteR Show at Harlesden High Street Curated by Daria Borisova December 14th – December 22nd
December 14th, 5 – 7 PM Harlesden High Street | 62-70, Shorts Gardens, top floor, WC2H 9AB.

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'WinteR Show' curated by Daria Borisova

Exhibition dates: December 14th - January 15th, 2019
Opening reception: December 14th, 5 - 7 PM
Harlesden High Street | 62-70, Shorts Gardens, Top floor

WinteR Show is a group show celebrating emerging talent in London, presented at Harlesden High street and curated by Daria Borisova.

‘NO WAY!’

The show presents artists from all realms of artistic practices including painting, sculpture, installation, and photography. A celebration of diversity, inviting us to come together in this time of growing polarisation. WinteR Show reflects on London’s contemporary culture, creating a platform to catalyse conversation on the social and cultural issues of today. Participating artists include Bex Massey, Valerie Savchits, Alexander James, Natalia Anastasiou, Stefano Cannella, David King Reuben, Seulgi Kang, Adam Zoltowski, Paul Abbott, Adam Baker and Anna Kenneally.

WinteR Show celebrates the upcoming generation as one focused on activism in contemporary culture. Borisova is proud to bring ten artists together who engage in our contemporary language by exploring themes of history, feminism, social media, capitalism, suppression and diversity. This exhibition amplifies the power of the visual arts as a universal language utilized by artists to bring us together over our collective and personal experiences. 

The group exhibition is presented over a five-room exhibition space at Harlesden High Street, a gallery and artist studio, which aims to bridge social and cultural gaps against the homogeneity found in the contemporary art world.

Curator: Daria Borisova, born in Russia, is a London-based curator and art advisor. Borisova focuses on young, emerging artists who inspire progressive understanding and promote lasting change. With an emphasis on transparency and education, Borisova has built collections for prominent private and corporate clients. Borisova has curated and organized a number of successful exhibitions at notable galleries and institutions. As an ambassador for Beauty for Freedom, she advocates for gender equality and promoting women artists. Borisova is a global ambassador and curator for the non-profit organization, White Ribbon, the world’s largest male initiative against domestic violence toward women. 

Exhibition Producer: Angeliki Kim Jonsson is the founder of Dynamisk Curating and Art Advisory. Angeliki works as an independent curator, art advisor and writer. She runs a series titled “In Conversation With…,” an ever-growing series of vibrant and unique conversations with pioneering individuals from the art world. Angeliki is currently working on projects including exhibition-making, art and artists talks, art advisory and curating, as well as co-writing her first book. 

Production Manager: Paulina Cebrzynska is a London-based artist and curator. She has partnered with well-known artists and London galleries including Pace, Unit and Opera. As the Creative Manager at the Cafe Royal Hotel, she curated several exhibitions and was involved in sourcing and selecting art, installation and client delivery. Paulina is also a practicing artist in her own right and has sold pieces internationally.

MUST-SEE EXHIBITIONS IN NEW YORK CITY NOV-DEC

By: Anne Verhallen

The winter in the city has softly introduced itself, and the first cold windy days and nights have passed. The artworld is preparing for the Basel on Miami beach, Fall exhibitions have closed and galleries are presenting their new exhibitions until the holidays. 

It started off as a recommendation list to some art curious friends and evolved to my monthly letter comprising some of my personal highlights of exhibitions and art activations in New York City. 

Here is a list of MUST-SEE exhibitions for the month of November and December.

‘Nicholas Party: Pastel’ - Flag Foundation 
October 10 - February 25th, 2020
545 west 25th street

Nicholas Party is a name that has been mentioned a lot over the last year or so. His work is in high demand and seems to be on everyone’s wish list. I overheard a private advisor say in passing ‘If I have one more collector asking for a Nicholas Party..’ 

Besides his growing market, the artist is known for his brave use of color in his murals and paintings. His portraits and still lives are simplified and stripped away of detail. 

‘Nicholas Party: Pastel’ at the Flag Foundation is a group show orchestrated by the artist and presented over the two-floor space. Party created a pastel-colored heaven that brings together the artworks from the 18th century to the present date. The exhibition felt dreamy and light, a celebration of color that brought a different light to the familiar artwork. 

Artists included in the exhibition:Rosalba Carriera (1675-1757), Mary Cassatt  (1844-1926), Edgar Degas (1834-1917), Louis Fratino (b. 1993), Marsden Hartley (1877-1943), Loie Hollowell (b. 1983), Julian Martin (b. 1969), Toyin Ojih Odutola (b. 1985), Chris Ofili (b. 1968), Jean-Baptiste Perronneau (1715-1783), Billy  Sullivan (b. 1946), Wayne Thiebaud (b. 1920), and Robin F. Williams (b. 1984).

Object Journalism - MMuseumm 
Till the end of November
Cortland Alley
Open Friday - Sunday, 11am - 6pm

Strolling through downtown New York, we discovered Mmuseumm. One of those New York City gems, hidden on Cortland Alley real. The museum is built in an old fried elevator and dedicates it's space to exploring modern humanity and current events by revealing objects from around the world.

The current exhibition is up till the end of November and shows; Personal objects of immigrants, inmate inventions, last meal receipts, objects carried by people when they were shot by the police, and more.

The objects completely change meaning and value within this collective space. The exhibition stays with you and makes you question our modern society. Make sure to catch the exhibition before it closes for winter until the end of November. 

‘Chen Fei: Reunion’ - Perrotin Gallery
November 2 - December 21, 2019
Orchard Street

It’s one of the first cold and windy days of the season as we walk over to the Lower East Side, to see the preview of the solo show of the new Chinese star, Chen Fei. A well-attended opening event presenting the works of Fei on the first and second floor of the gallery, the first major presentation of the artist works in the US. Chen Fei is a leading figure of the post-1980s generation, and mostly works with portraiture and still-life. The works on display date from the years 2018 and 2019, and both and comprise of art historical references as well as contemporary signifiers making his work speak to the philosophies of two contrasting cultures. 

‘Lee Bae: Promenade’ - Perrotin Gallery
November 2 - December 21, 2019
Orchard street

Simultaneously Perrotin Gallery presents 24 sculptures by the Korean artist Lee Bae surrounded by pale and minimal drawings and paintings on mulberry paper. It is the first exhibition of Bae’s work in the Perrotin Gallery, New York. The Sculptures are large pieces of charcoal tightly bonded together forming 24 cylinder blocks in the top floor gallery space. The installation feels heavy and light at the same time. When you enter the room the installation serves as an immersive experience, creating a sense of serenity and urges you to take a deep breath.

‘Betye Saar: The Legends of A Black Girl’s Window’ - MoMA
53rd Street, 2nd floor
Through January 2nd, 2020 

Unable to attend any of the newly renovated MoMA’s previews, I instead made it a point to pay them a visit in the early hours this past weekend. 

The museum’s expansion allows for many more galleries on every floor, displaying more of the museum collection as well as a number of new temporary exhibitions. 

Walking through the galleries, I was impressed by the collections and the obvious effort to show a more complete contemporary art history. 

‘David Tudor and Composers Inside Electronic Inc.: Rainforest V’ - MoMA
53rd Street, 4th floor
Through Jan 5th, 2020

The sound and performance installation ‘Rainforest V’ conceived by David Tudor and realized by Composers Inside Electronics Inc is formed by everyday objects hanging in space. MoMA’s early hours make it possible to be in the space on your own to take up the visual and sound experience more intimately. Primary colors and bold shapes stand out against the dark walls in which the installation lives. The sounds are forest and animal-like, yet the materials are industrial and manmade. This contrast between nature’s voice and manmade objects makes this installation an exceptional reflection of the concrete jungle we live in.

Tudor first conceived Rainforest in 1968 as a musical score for the choreographer Merce Cunningham. Later, in 1973 Tudor collaborated with young artists and musicians and expanded the work into a performance piece titled Rainforest IV. This group of artists would later be known as the collective Composers Inside Electronics (CIE), active from 1973 to present. After Rainforest IV, Tudor and CIE would collaborate on multiple iterations of the installation over the next decades.

‘Walead Beshty: Abstract of A Partial Disassembling of an Invention Without  Future: Helter-skelter and Random Notes in Which the Pulleys and Cogwheels Are Lying Around at Random All Over the Workbench’ - Petzel Gallery
456 W 18th street
Through Dec 14th, 2019

The solo exhibition of Walead Beshty at Petzel Gallery in Chelsea, New York is an installation originally commissioned by the Barbican Center, London where it was first exhibited in 2014. The installation covered the 273 feet long Curve gallery from floor to ceiling with cyanotype prints. The prints were conceived in a timespan of one year and where installed in chronological order. 

In this New York presentation of the work, approximately 5,120 cyanotypes are installed in the Petzel gallery. Cyanotype is a 19-century photographic process using ferric ammonium citrate and potassium ferrocyanide. The works are produced by placing tools and objects used in the production process of the studio on cellulose waste material generated by that same process that was coated with UV-sensitive cyanotype. Exposing these objects with sunlight and water, the silhouette of the object appeared on the cyan-blue background. 

This transparency of the work process refers to our current political climate and questions whether a truly accurate and transparent form of representation can be set in place. 

‘Japan in America’ - Fergus McCaffrey
514 W 26th street
Tue - Sat, through Dec 14th, 2019

‘Japan in America’ explores the complex post-war relationship between Japan and America. The exhibition includes a wide variety of artwork curated to tell a historical story. ‘Japan in America’ is a group show of Japanese and American artists visualizing this relation between two nations and show the evolution of art and taste-making from the early 1950s.

Included artist: Yuji Agematsu, Ruth Asawa, James Lee Byars, John Cage, Joe Goode, Sam Francis, Marcia Hafif, Noriyuki Haraguchi, Tatsuo Ikeda, Shigeo Ishii, Ishiuchi Miyako, Jasper Johns, Alison Knowles, Nobuaki Kojima, Tomio Miki, Sadamasa Motonaga, Hiroshi Nakamura, Natsuyuki Nakanishi, Senga Nengudi, Yoko Ono, Ken Price, Robert Rauschenberg, Ed Ruscha, Richard Serra, Ushio Shinohara, Fujiko Shiraga, Kazuo Shiraga, Jiro Takamatsu, Anne Truitt, and Toshio Yoshida.

Rashid Johnson: ‘The Hikers’ - Hauser & Wirth
548 W 22nd street
Opening Nov 12 - Jan 25, 2020

Last Tuesday evening, Rashid Johnson: ‘The Hikers’ opened at Hauser & Wirth. The exhibition presents recent works by the American artist, and brings together ceramic tile mosaics, collaged paintings, and a large scale sculpture. 

The exhibition reflects the anxiety and escapism in our society that is a result of the current social and political turmoil in the United States. 

FIAC PARIS REVIEW

By: Daria Borisova

FIAC week in Paris is a truly exciting time of the year. For four days, we lived in a contemporary art and culture marathon!

Navigating through “VIP” openings and unavailable artworks, I met many individuals that were looking to find the importance of all. Why do we like these art fairs and art activations during the fairs so much? What makes this all so exciting?

Trying to find the answers to my questions, I listed the highlight as the past week in Paris to give some insight into all the excitement. In this article I discuss my favorite booth at the fairs in Paris, the artist you should be paying attention to and recap some interesting events and exhibitions!

First Stop: FIAC Art Fair Opening.

Seasoned collectors and first-time visitors came from all over the world to look at and “invest” in important modern and contemporary art. When you visit these large art fairs, I highly suggest you to go see the fair twice, or perhaps even three times. It is impossible to take it all in at once, you might stumble upon great work that had not caught your eye on the first visit. 

After every major art fair, you will hear the phrases 'it was not that good this year,' or 'other years were better,' please do not believe these empty judgments. Instead, I would like you to form your own opinion and wait till you collected your impressions. Galleries are showing their best artists, do not confuse art fairs with museum shows, they serve a completely different purpose. 

Art fairs are about business and not about education or preservation, do not romanticize it. Most of the works that caught my interest were sold before the event opened, and so I got to go and enjoy the art and make new connections. My personal goal was to find exciting artists without a 'super hype!'

My Highlights of the Fair

1) Gallery - Metro Pictures
Artist - Jim Shaw 

2) Gallery – Kaufman Repetto
Artist – Sadie Benning

3) Gallery - Esther Schipper
Artist - Tomás Saraceno (One of the best living artists!)

4) Gallery – Capitain Petzel
Artist – Ross Bleckner

5) Gallery – Anton Kern
Artist - Julie Curtis

Ros Georgiou at the opening of Raymond Pettibon, David Zwirner

Second Stop: David Zwirner New Gallery Opening

David Zwirner proudly opened doors to their new gallery in Paris with an exhibition of new and historical works by Raymond Pettibon. The exhibition, titled 'Frenchette,' highlighted Raymond's impeccable storytelling and included some of his most iconic series such as the Waves. Other themes of the drawing on display were; Gumby, baseball, US presidents, animals, totalitarian dictators, and more.

The waves were the works I was most excited about and if you know Raymond’s work you know how difficult it is to find these works. Raymond’s 'Waves’ reflect on the life of the artist, his ego, fame, naiveness, braveness, loveliness but also subjects such as mortality.

The asking price for the works is around 1.2 million dollars (no discounts). The gallery organized two official openings and two official after-parties around the opening of the new gallery and the exhibition.

Third Stop: The 5th edition of Paris Internationale

The 5th edition of Paris Internationale was one of the best and honest art fairs I have seen. Paris Internationale is a relatively new fair that was established in 2015 as an innovative and alternative art fair in support of a younger generation of galleries.

The fair is a good place to discover new artists and buy under-appreciated yet very promising artists. The fair is dedicated to change the discourse of the content of the art fairs. By keeping the participation cost low, the fair invited younger emerging artists and galleries. This set up encourages the visitors to take a risk and pay attention to artwork from lesser-known yet pioneering artists of our contemporary culture.

In response to our current political and social climate, the fair advocates for inclusivity by opening it’s doors to the public with free admission.

My highlights of PI:
1) Gallery – Bodega
Artist – Zoe Barcza

2) Gallery – Capsule Shanghai
Artist – Cai Zebin

3) Gallery – Antoine Levi, Paris
Artist - Srijon Chowdhury

4) Gallery - Tanya Leighton
Artist - Jimmy Robert, Aleksandra Domanović

Francis Bacon at Centre Pompidou in Paris

Fourth Stop: ‘Bacon: Books and Paintings’ - Centre Pompidou

’Beacon: Books and Paintings’ exhibition at the Centre Pompidou in Paris is on view till January 20th. The exhibition includes over 60 works of the artist, investigation the influence of literature in the artist's practice.

Francis Bacon is one of the most important artists of our contemporary art history and holds a special place in my heart. The exhibition is by far one of the best museum shows I have seen. The show beautifully curated and gives the audience great insight into the artist into life and mind.

I learned that Bacon had an enormous library in his studio in London, books were scattered among the shelves and on the floor. Bacon had a difficult relationship with his family, especially with his father, who never approve of his sexuality. Always looking out for life stories similar to his gave Bacon an escape but also helped him with his self-expression in his artwork.

The Art Gorgeous Magazine breakfast event

Fifth Stop: The Art Gorgeous

At the beginning of FIAC Week, The Art Gorgeous Magazine organized a thoughtful gather in the collaboration with Holidermie as part of the launch of their latest issue #7.

The well organized event included a detox breakfast, a facial and a yoga session. The Art Gorgeous Magazine created a very fashionable platform to network and meet young and ambitious women in the arts with an impeccable passion for their profession.