Art Nerd New York’s Top Event Picks for the Week – 5/4-5/11
In a city where hundreds of interesting happenings occur each week, it can be hard to pick and choose your way to a fulfilling life. Art Nerd‘s philosophy is a combination of observation, participation, education and of course a party to create the ultimate well-rounded week. Jump ahead for Art Nerd founder Lori Zimmer’s top picks for 6sqft readers!
Another week of art fairs is upon us, with Frieze New York taking the lead (and the advantage of warmer weather). Spend the weekend hopping between Frieze, NADA, CONTEXT, Art New York and 1:54 Contemporary African Art Fairs, and their many, many affiliated events. If the whole ordeal is just too much for you, no worries. Marina Abramovic’s former lover and partner ULAY will perform in New York for the first time since 1986, Martin Creed’s giant neon sculpture will illuminate Brooklyn Bridge Park for the Public Art Fund, and Duke Riley will entice Creative Time fans with a flock of LED equipped pigeons that will fly over the East River in a special performance.
Martin Creed, Understanding ↑
Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pier 6
Through October 23
Creed’s rotating ruby red neon sculpture will light up the night all summer and through fall at the tip of Pier 6, making the “understanding” visible from Brooklyn, Lower Manhattan, and the Brooklyn Bridge. Another great Public Art Fund exhibition!
Art New York ↑
Pier 94, 12th Avenue at 55th Street
Tuesday, May 3- Sunday, May 8
The New York version of Art Miami (if it weren’t already obvious) made a huge splash for its northern debut last year, and plans yet again to give Frieze a run for its money. The fair prides itself on offering never-before exhibited works from both primary and secondary markets, rather than the typical repeats that tend to populate art fairs.
CONTEXT New York Fair ↑
Pier 94, 12th Avenue at 55th Street
Tuesday, May 3- Sunday, May 8
The little sister of Art New York makes its debut this year, nestled in at Pier 94 alongside its other fair. To compliment Art New York, CONTEXT will focus on supporting emerging and mid-career artists.
Frieze New York ↑
Randall’s Island Park
Thursday, May 5- Sunday, May 8
The British art fair known as the creme de la creme has totally shifted New York’s art fair model by strategically scheduling itself two months AFTER the iconic Armory Week. The magical art journey starts with a ferry ride to the art-encompassed island for a day of top-tier galleries from around the world, talks, outdoor sculpture and of course schmoozing.
NADA New York ↑
Basketball City, 299 South Street
Thursday, May 5- Sunday, May 8
The New Art Dealers Alliance moved their New York fair to May when Frieze came to town. Known for showcasing more edgy art, the fair has a non-profit model that fosters rising talents from around the globe with am emphasis on art dealers with a cutting-edge eye.
1:54 Contemporary African Art Fair ↑
Pioneer Works, 159 Pioneer Street, Brooklyn
Friday, May 6- Sunday, May 8
The European art fair revisits for a second rendition, bringing African Art to the contemporary forefront. The name itself refers to the 54 countries on the continent, so expect a myriad of diverse art from Marrakech to Capetown.
ULAY & JAŠA: Watermark / Cutting Through the Clouds of Myth ↑
Kestrel Projects, 57 Wolcott Street, Red Hook
Friday, May 6- Sunday, May 8, 6:00-10:00pm
Marina Abramovic’s former lover and art partner will perform in New York for the first time since 1986, kicking off a month-long exhibition with three special performance nights. Although no longer performing with Abramovic, Ulay will still co-perform, with Slovenian artist JAŠA.
Duke Riley, Fly By Night ↑
Brooklyn Navy Yard, Sands Street/Navy Street, Brooklyn
Weekends through June 12
Art meets nature each weekend for Creative Time’s latest public art endeavor that resurrects the New York tradition of pigeon keepers. Each night for Riley’s performance, a flock of specially trained pigeons will twirl, swoop, and glide in unison over the East River, with each bearing a tiny LED leg light that will create a moving, illuminated installation. Tickets are Free! You just must secure them on Eventbrite.
+++
Lori Zimmer is a writer, curator and founder of Art Nerd New York, an off-beat art history guide to the city. Lori also recently released her first book through Rockport Publishers, The Art of Cardboard: Big Ideas for Creativity, Collaboration, Storytelling, and Reuse. Follow her on Twitter @LoriZimmer.
