6 New York Art Exhibitions & Performances Not To Miss This May
By Something CuratedWith the return of Frieze to New York earlier this month, the city’s arts programming has been noticeably busier with an abundance of shows and activities coinciding with the onset of fair visitors. Looking ahead at the rest of the month, Something Curated highlights some of the most exciting cultural events taking place in New York this May, spanning exhibitions, theatre, music and more.
New Era at 303 Gallery || Doug Aitken (Until 25 May)
Doug Aitken’s installation New Era is centred around 89-year-old protagonist Martin Cooper’s seemingly straightforward statements about his invention of the mobile phone and his thoughts on the future. Aitken’s film was inspired by his research into and conversations with the inventor of this ubiquitous device, and weaves the story of Cooper’s life into a poetic narrative about humanity’s history and future.
Solar Rhythms at Tanya Bonakdar Gallery || Tomás Saraceno (Until 9 June)
Tanya Bonakdar Gallery presents Solar Rhythms, a solo exhibition of new works by artist Tomás Saraceno, on view until 9 June. The show suggests a model for a landscape that balances our relationship with, and harnesses the unlimited potential of the sun. This realisation requires a thermodynamic leap of imagination, just like during an eclipse, when only in the absence of light do we become aware of our scale in the shadow of the cosmos.
Seven on Seven 2018 at the New Museum || Petra Cortright, Carl Tashian, Tabita Rezaire, Kenric McDowell, Sean Raspet, Francis Tseng & More (19 May 2018)
Rhizome and the New Museum present Seven on Seven, the art-meets-tech event that pairs seven artists with seven visionary technologists and asks them to “make something”: an artwork, a prototype, a provocation. Founded by Rhizome in 2010, Seven on Seven forefronts the leading issues at the intersection of culture and technology, and animates them through its novel format. The tenth edition takes place in a moment of broad public disillusionment with digital platforms and their impact on interpersonal communication and media culture.
Mlima’s Tale at Public Theater || Lynn Nottage & Jo Bonney (Until 3 June)
In the opening scene of Mlima’s Tale, the title character, an African elephant played by Sahr Ngaujah, shares his memories of a happy life on the savanna. No sooner have we met this magnificent creature than we see him cut down by poachers. Director Jo Bonney’s striking production traces the path of Mlima’s prized tusks through the international ivory market. Lap Chi Chu’s lighting design and Riccardo Hernandez’s evocative sets take the audience from a game reserve near Mombasa, Kenya, to the haunts of the rich and powerful.
Artist-in-Residence at Art in General, New York || Mira Dayal (15 May – 30 July)
Commencing her residency at Art in General this month, Mira Dayal is an artist, critic, and curator based in New York. She is the founding editor of the Journal of Art Criticism, co-director of the collaborative artist publication prompt, and an assistant editor at Artforum. Dayal’s studio work focuses on the routines and materialities of language and the body. She has previously curated programming and exhibitions on the subjects of intimacy, material residues, and commemoration, for venues including Helena Anrather and A.I.R. Gallery.
Korea Town Acid, Kellam Matthews & Tab Jones at Rose Gold (17 May)
Korea Town Acid makes her NY debut – she has been creating a buzz in the Toronto dance music community with her focused, captivating live shows and eclectic DJ sets. As a classically trained pianist with a passion for improvisation and sonic experimentation, Jessica Cho transforms the dance floor into a wholly unique avant garde journey. Her dynamic and consistent DJ sets and her expressive live excursions have made her one of the most in demand electronic acts that the city has to offer.
Feature image: Tomás Saraceno, Solar Rhythms, Tanya Bonakdar Gallery (via Tanya Bonakdar Gallery)