New York City is alive with creativity, and right now, the art scene is nothing short of exhilarating. As the city pulses with energy, galleries and museums are unveiling exhibitions that challenge perceptions, celebrate diversity, and ignite conversations. From transformative installations to thought-provoking retrospectives, these are the shows capturing the city’s imagination at this very moment. Whether you’re an art aficionado or just looking for inspiration, here’s your curated guide to the must-see exhibitions electrifying New York’s cultural landscape.
Just Frame It: How Nike Turned Sports Stars into Superheroes
Where: Poster House until February 23
At Poster House in Chelsea, “Just Frame It: How Nike Turned Sports Stars into Superheroes” offers a nostalgic look at the evolution of sports advertising. Featuring 60 iconic Nike posters, the exhibition showcases how athletes were elevated to mythic status through bold visual storytelling. With photography from legends like Peggy Sirota and Chuck Kuhn, these images capture a time when posters were powerful cultural touchstones. In an era dominated by digital media, this exhibition is a refreshing reminder of the artistry behind branding and the larger-than-life personas of sports icons.
Who Wants to Die for Glamour
Where: MoMA until February 17
Jasmine Gregory’s “Who Wants to Die for Glamour” at MoMA is a bold and irreverent critique of art-world conventions. In her first U.S. institutional exhibition, Gregory intertwines paintings with unconventional materials—wine bottles, plastic bags, tinsel—to create installations that challenge notions of patrimony and preservation. Her work is a playful yet incisive commentary on what we value and why, prompting viewers to reconsider the definitions of beauty and glamour in contemporary art.
Francesco Clemente: Summer Love in the Fall
Where: Lévy Gorvy Dayan until December 21
At Lévy Gorvy Dayan, Francesco Clemente’s “Summer Love in the Fall” transforms a Beaux-Arts townhouse into a journey through global artistry. Spread across multiple floors, Clemente’s oil paintings and watercolors draw from the rich tapestries of India, West Africa, Egypt, Italy, and classical antiquity. Yet, amidst these diverse influences, the works resonate on a deeply personal level, exploring intimate connections and relationships. It’s a vibrant fusion of the universal and the personal, inviting viewers to find their own stories within his art.
Edges of Ailey
Where: Whitney Museum until February 9
“Edges of Ailey” at the Whitney Museum is a dynamic homage to the legendary choreographer Alvin Ailey. This immersive exhibition transcends traditional boundaries, combining live dance performances, archival materials, and multiscreen video installations. Spanning the museum’s expansive galleries, it offers a multifaceted exploration of Ailey’s life, his groundbreaking work in modern dance, and his enduring influence on art and culture. It’s a celebration of movement, expression, and the transformative power of creativity.
Kim MacConnel: Slice of Life
Where: Luhring Augustine Chelsea until December 21
“Slice of Life” at Luhring Augustine Chelsea showcases Kim MacConnel’s pioneering works from 1979 to 1981. MacConnel elevates everyday materials—cotton bedsheets become canvases drenched in diluted acrylics, unframed and pinned directly to the walls. These pieces blur the boundaries between art and object, subtly addressing environmental concerns that feel strikingly contemporary. MacConnel’s exploration of form and medium is a testament to his innovative spirit, making this exhibition a nostalgic yet timely experience.
Tania Franco Klein: Long Story Short
Where: Yancey Richardson Gallery until December 21
Making a powerful New York debut, Tania Franco Klein’s “Long Story Short” delves into the complexities of our digital existence. Through evocative photography, she examines the relentless pursuit of perfection, the pressures of productivity, and the performative nature of online life. Franco Klein’s work is a mirror reflecting modern anxieties, capturing the tension between our curated digital personas and authentic selves. It’s an introspective look at how we navigate identity in the age of social media.
Elizabeth Catlett: A Black Revolutionary Artist and All That It Implies
Where: Brooklyn Museum until January 19
The Brooklyn Museum celebrates the indomitable spirit of Elizabeth Catlett in “A Black Revolutionary Artist and All That It Implies.” Featuring over 200 works, the exhibition highlights Catlett’s profound contributions to art and activism. Her sculptures and prints are powerful narratives of feminism, racial identity, and social justice. Catlett’s legacy as a pioneering Black female artist is honored in this comprehensive showcase, emphasizing her role in shaping conversations that remain critically important today.
