Spring is on the horizon, and with the new season comes a slew of cultural events to know. This year’s arts and culture agenda is filled with exciting exhibitions, fairs and events all over the US and beyond. Here are the happenings we’re looking forward to this year, with expert commentary on what makes these openings and events so special.
"The art world is back in full-swing and I'm so excited for the spring and summer seasons!,” says Hannah Gottlieb-Graham, founder of ALMA Communications. She shared her intel on the gallery happenings to know: “Some standout gallery shows include Rose B. Simpson at Jack Shainman Gallery, Si On at James Fuentes Gallery, Che Lovelace at Nicola Vassell Gallery, Kehinde Wiley at Roberts Project Gallery, Lavar Munroe at Monique Meloche Gallery, Liat Yossifor at PATRON Gallery, and a collaboration between Hannah Traore Gallery and three local Lower East Side schools (she'll be showcasing the kids' artwork in her space). James Fuentes is also opening a second location in LA later this spring! Exhibitions of note include the upcoming Carl Craig show at MOCA and an exciting moment this fall... Magazzino Italian Art will also unveil an incredible second pavilion. I can't wait for it all!"
Gagosian’s Hallie Freer gave us a heads up about the gallery's upcoming exhibition dedicated to the legacy of Richard Avedon, opening in May. Avedon 100 will be a historic collection of photographs selected by key cultural figures in celebration of the centenary of Richard Avedon’s birth. According to Gagosian, “Almost 150 celebrated artists, designers, musicians, writers, curators, collectors, and fashion world representatives were asked to select a photograph by Avedon and elaborate on the ways in which the image and artist have made an impact on them. As a result of this ‘crowd-sourced curation’, the exhibition represents various periods in Avedon’s oeuvre, including In the American West series, images of the social justice movement in the US, classic portraiture, advertising, and fashion work.”
Richard Avedon, Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee, headed by Julian Bond, Atlanta, Georgia, March 23, 1963, 1963
Pernille Kjeldsen, founder of PK PR & Branding, has Intersect Aspen on her calendar. “Aspen is considered one of the new hot spots for art and culture and a perfect place to visit in the summertime,” she says. “The Intersect Aspen is a growing art fair with many good galleries represented and lots of events throughout the days.”
Attending Salone del Mobile/Milan Design Week? Veronica H. Speck, CEO & founder of VHS Ventures, counts designer Bea Pernia’s "The Art of Formation" exhibition at Alcova on her list of musts. “Bea collaborated with Art + Loom to debut marble furniture amongst handwoven rugs in an exploration of the intersection between sculpture and function, featuring pieces that evoke a sense of raw, untouched beauty, showcasing organic shapes and patterns that reflect nature,” she says.
Bea Pernia
Also on the international art circuit: an exciting exhibition is headed to the Dominican Republic. Speck shares that “Designer Andrés Monnier will be exhibiting with Galerie Philia during the inaugural Dominican Republic Design Week (Design Week RD) March 13-19th, founded by Creative Director Jorge Brown Cott. The exhibition is titled ‘Montesino in Santo Domingo’ and will feature Latin American artists and designers. The show overlaps with the annual Latin American Fashion Summit, which will be taking place for the first time in the DR this year.”
Our team is also excited for this year’s Affordable Art Fair, which brings thousands of contemporary artworks – ranging between $100 to $12,000 – to the Metropolitan Pavilion in NYC. It’s the perfect opportunity to explore pieces from local, national and international galleries within a more approachable price range.
For the 20th year of the New York Botanical Garden’s The Orchid Show, designer Lily Kwong drew inspiration from her ancestral connections to the natural world. Lose yourself in the picture-perfect design comprising thousands of vibrant orchids. NYBG will host its signature event, The Conservatory Ball, on June 1st.
New York Botanical Garden Orchid Show
There’s always something to enjoy at the Apollo Theater, including its famed weekly amateur night. Pro tip: don’t miss the chance to experience D-Nice’s Club Quarantine in person at the Theater on March 18th.
The Museum of the City of New York hosts multiple events a week, offering discussions and cocktail gatherings for adults, as well as family-friendly movie nights and workshops. On a more formal front, MCNY’s Centennial Gala will take place on May 24th, with an after party to follow.
