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The arts have always been there for us through thick and thin. As America is reopening the timing may be perfect to show your support in person. This month, if you’re up for it, discover the many treasures brightening the spaces of New York’s galleries, art fairs, restaurants, and museums.
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The MvVO ART AD ART SHOW 2021 starts things off gloriously with a grand return during the month of May. The groundbreaking art exhibition will feature creations by artists from around the world at the Oculus in the Westfield World Trade Center. The famous architectural landmark will be the backdrop for the show that will be an all-digital, contemporary art program featuring paintings, photography, sculptures, and mixed media by artists from advertising.
Now in its fourth year, this innovative program is brought to you by MvVO ART Founder and CEO Maria van Vlodrop. Expect artwork from featured special guest artist Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers to be displayed on monumental screens inside the venue. The Grammy Award-winning drummer’s pieces will be alongside talented other artists in competition for the Clio in Contemporary Art, as well as a coveted creative immersion day at NBCUniversal.
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The Shed in New York City will be turned into an art lover’s playground when Frieze New York comes to town. The world’s most influential contemporary art fair will take place at the cultural center that had up until recently paused operations due to the pandemic. It will be the first major art world event in over a year. The buzz around the show is certain to last for weeks.
Frieze is out to prove once again that it is a definitive source for contemporary collections. From May 5 to May 9, the tenth edition of the fair will bring together over 60 major galleries. A dedicated edition of the Frieze Viewing Room will also run parallel to the fair all the way until May 14. An expanded list of over 160 exhibitors, connecting international galleries and audiences unable to travel will be featured all together. Artist talks, special projects, and commissions will be equally available at the fair and online via the Frieze’s digital platform.
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Don Hershman. Tulips. Silence series. 2020. Acrylic and pencil on wood panel. 30” x 24” x 1.5.”
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In addition, the public is ready to visit galleries again and enjoy works from artists, old and new.
Don Hershman is a California artist who’s set to exhibit his latest collection of original pieces in New York City as part of a retrospective series inspired by the late Victor Arimondi. In the spring show, Donald and Victor: Under The Influence, Hershman will embody his visceral need to pursue interests and creative expressions as he pays loving tribute to his former partner who succumbed to AIDS in 2001. Salomon Arts Gallery will run the exhibit through May 14 to June 3 with viewings on Wednesdays through Saturdays 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. or by appointment.
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Gabriela Gil. Siamese 10. 2017. Acrylic and metal patchwork on canvas. “60” x 72.”
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Local New York resident artist Gabriela Gil is also extending her portfolio in the month of May. The painter and sculptor recently received impressive applause for her first solo exhibition in Soho titled “Time and Space” earlier this year. From December 2020 to January 2021, hundreds of patrons from around New York City came to experience her 20 highly detailed miniature sets, inspired by the hand-made nativity scenes she saw as a child in Latin America.
Now she is gearing up to have her work highlighted in the upcoming MvVO ART AD ART SHOW on May 3. Collectors are expected to line up to see her offerings first-hand.
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Eric Demarchelier. The Crowd. 2011. Oil on canvas. 36″ x 42.”
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Then out east, New York-based painter Eric Demarchelier will display his artwork at his Greenport restaurant Demarchelier Bistro. Witnessing his bright coastal scenes of Shelter Island and Brazil on the walls will help beautifully ring in the month of May. Art lovers and food connoisseurs alike who flock to the popular location will enjoy the best of French cuisine and American paintings served up together in this charming establishment.
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Back in New York City, the Affordable Art Fair NYC returns to the Metropolitan Pavilion from May 20 to 23, 2021, showcasing original contemporary artworks ranging between $100 to $10,000. The Affordable Art Fair will have a unique collection of 45 exhibitors, with most originating from New York City and the greater U.S.
Their spring program is one of the first NYC art events of the year with an amazing exhibition of artworks from both established and emerging artists from around the world.
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And if you’re looking to take in a museum exhibit, think about heading over to the Whitney Museum of Art in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District. There you’ll find large, colorful abstracts by Ethiopian-born artist Julie Mehretu. We haven’t been yet, but are excited to go — particularly after seeing this video introduction.
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Whitney Museum of American Art / YouTube.com
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Here is to the artists and art lovers kicking off a blissful summer in May! Stay safe and enjoy!
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IMAGE CREDITS
- Lead-In Image – MvVO ART AD ART SHOW – Photo by Teresa Pyskaty;
- Don Hershman. Tulips. Silence Series;
- Gabriela Gil. Siamese 10;
- Eric Demarchelier. The Crowd; and
- Video (“Checkerboard Film Foundation presents ‘Julie Mehretu: Mid-Career Survey'”) – Whitney Museum of American Art / YouTube.com.
