These exhibits and performances can enlighten and affect you on a deep level. For an extraordinary look at the city, and its art scene, don’t miss these NYC events happening right now. Read on.
Kenzo Digital at Summit One Vanderbilt
With sunny days ahead, there is no better time to view the city skyline. We have been to many rooftops, but no one has better views than Summit at One Vanderbilt (photo at the top of this post). The immense space is one of New York’s newest cultural experiences. This is so much more than just a place to view the city. You will experience a one-of-a-kind and immersive art exhibit by Kenzo Digital. You will not be disappointed.
Kenzo has quite the resume. The artist has collaborated with artists like Beyonce and Kanye West, created interactive art experiences with Samsung and Bacardi, and designed sets for fashion shows in Paris. This time the artist combined the physical and virtual, creating a mind-bending look at ourselves, and the city.
There is plenty of space to roam, play, take photos, and have a drink at Aprés. The permanent exhibit, along with breathtaking views makes this a must-see for both New Yorkers and tourists alike. In addition to that, this place has the highest rack-and-pinion elevator system in the world, and at 90 square feet each, the largest glass floor elevators in the world. To access Summit enter the Main Concourse Level of Manhattan’s Grand Central Terminal, inside the Vanderbilt Passage. (photos courtesy Summit One)
Summit One Vanderbilt, 45 East 42nd St (betw Madison/Park Ave)
Chasing Andy Warhol
When it comes to theatre, one of the most unique experiences of 2022 is Chasing Andy Warhol. Whether you love or hate the artist, you will want to be a part of this immersive theatre production. Bated Breath Theatre Company is known for their interactive theatrical experiences. The award-winning theatre company can be remembered by their pandemic-friendly “Voyeur: The Windows of Toulous-Lautrec”, played out on the sidewalks, doorways and windows of Greenwich Village.
Chasing Andy Warhol is played out on the streets of New York City’s East Village, taking you to iconic downtown places and a bar at the end of it all. Trust us when we tell you that Andy Warhol’s fun and dramatic life makes this an emotional rollercoaster.
In order to convey Andy’s mystifying persona Bated Breath Theatre company blends theatre, dance, art, film and even puppetry. What makes this show exciting is not knowing what might happen next. Help support New York actors and this theatre by booking your ticket today for one of their limited June dates. (Images courtesy of Bated Breath Theatre Company)
Chasing Andy Warhol, 26 Astor Place (meet by the Cube)
Fotografiska Black Venus
Fotografiska Black Venus exhibit launched with Pat Cleveland’s Song & Stories night. The iconic 70s model paid homage to Harlem, Josephine Baker and told stories of her modeling days. Pat Cleveland is known for being one of the most successful African-American models in the 60s and 70s, and for being Halston’s muse. The glitzy evening was a highlight that represents the many exciting exhibits and events Fotografiska brings to patrons in New York City.
Black Venus is a celebration of black beauty. As you walk through the exhibit you will notice a long legacy of black women in visual culture – from fetishized, colonial-era caricatures, to the present-day reclamation of the rich complexity of Black womanhood by 19 artists of different backgrounds. Curated by Aindrea Emelife, the exhibition is a thought-provoking cross-generational investigation into Black women’s reclamation of agency amid the historical fetishization of the Black female body. Do not miss it. (photo via Fotografiska)
Fotografiska, 281 Park Ave South (betw 21st/22nd St), exhibit runs through August 21
Jean-Michel Basquiat: King Pleasure
If there was ever a time to get inspired by an artist, it is now. What makes this Jean-Michel Basquiat special is that it is curated by his family. The artist’s sisters, Lisane Basquiat and Jeanine Heriveaux, made sure to give us over 200 never-before-seen works of art, and even more importantly, show us where the artist came from. The installation can be seen at the Starrett-Lehigh Building.
Walking through the exhibit feels like you get an intimate view into the artist’s personal life, which helps you view his art with greater appreciation. The installation is designed by a Ghanaian-British architect, Sir David Adjaye. The design resembles a streetscape, and reflects Basquiat’s love of New York CIty. (photos via the exhibit)
Jean-Michel Basquiat: King Pleasure, 601 West 26th St (betw 11th/12th Ave), entrance is on 27th St
The Birth of Punk
The Birth of Punk, presented by The Great Frog and Morrison Hotel Gallery is a great historical reminder of the city’s ever changing culture. Morrison Hotel Gallery is known for their Soho gallery space, where collectors can find fine art music photography by over 125 of the most highly acclaimed music photographers. The Great Frog is a rock’n’roll jewelry brand that has a history of collaborating with musicians since the 1970s. The British brand knows punk, so in addition to visiting this South Street Seaport exhibit, make sure to visit their shop for their heritage jewelry. The exhibit tells a story with historical artifacts and will host programming all summer in order to delve deeper into punk’s lasting influence. (photo via the exhibit)
South Street Seaport, 25 Fulton St (betw Water/Front St)
