Latest news with #ArtShow


The Star
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Galeri PETRONAS returns - youthful, sharp, and recharged
In a quiet corner of Suria KLCC's level three, a renewed stream of art enthusiasts, gallery visitors and tourists has been making its way to the recently reopened Galeri PETRONAS. After a four-year hiatus, the gallery has made a bold return with Old School X New Rules , a group exhibition showcasing 15 emerging artists working across diverse mediums, from installations and videos to paintings and found objects. The exhibition, devoid of grand launch gestures, signals Galeri PETRONAS' re-entry into Kuala Lumpur's cultural sphere – while offering a platform for emerging voices, it also invites reflection on the gallery's role and direction within Malaysia's evolving contemporary art landscape. Downtown KL offers no shortage of contemporary art spaces, from GMBB's creative hub to UR-MU's private museums and Ilham Gallery's annual Art Show series. A time to connect Galeri PETRONAS has taken a considered step towards regaining the art public's trust with a thoughtfully curated exhibition of youth and substance. A view of Zulkefli Jais' installation 'Anything But Prison', which reflects on the trauma of forced displacement and is accompanied by a five-minute video. Photo: The Star/Muhamad Shahril Rosli Featuring names such as Zulkefli Jais, Aimman Hafizal, Azim Rodi, Yong Hui Lin, Chong Yan Chuah, Yuki Mun, Burhanuddin Bakri, Foong Yeng Yeng (with Lim Soon Hock), Afiq Romi, Haziq Syawal, Husni Osman, Syazwan Jehan, Syuhada Yaacob, and Akif Azmi, the exhibition offers a multi-perspective approach to what Malaysian art can look like in the years to come. According to Fairuz Karim, art collection and corporate memorabilia management head and curator, the show's conceptual core lies in bridging generations (with artists as young as 26), inviting reinterpretations of the gallery's historical collection. 'The 'X' in the title of the exhibition can be interpreted in a lot of different ways – either to mean 'and' or a collaboration, there are some who see it as 'versus', like a comparison between old and new. The idea is to connect different generations through art, and see what fresh perspectives emerge,' says Fairuz in a recent exhibition walk-through. He adds that this encourages experimentation over market- driven work, allowing the young artists to explore unfamiliar ideas and techniques without restriction. Visitors tune into Chong Yan Chua's 'Apa-Cita?', a CGI-driven video work that probes the intersections of technology and ritual in the age of digital shamanism. Photo: The Star/Muhamad Shahril Rosli 'In contemporary art, there are always new ways for artists to project their creativity. We give each artist the freedom to respond to the works of the past, but in ways that are entirely their own,' he says. To help viewers better understand the range of expressions on display, the exhibition is loosely grouped into four thematic zones – Identity in Transition, Resonating Shadow, Language of Form, and Memory of Nature – that showcase different approaches to form, content, and conceptual development. Barbed wires, windshields One of the more familiar names in the show, Zulkefli Jais – winner of the National Art Gallery's Bakat Muda Sezaman 2023 award – presents an installation titled Anything Other Than Prison, which reflects on the trauma of forced displacement. Inspired by a quote from the late Nirmala Dutt (1941–2016), who described artists as 'active witnesses' to their surroundings, Zulkefli constructs a skeletal fence of galvanised pipes and barbed wire, paired with a haunting looped video. 'In this piece, I delved into the subject of migration and displacement, where war, political failure and overdevelopment forces individuals to these uncomfortable spaces. This subject dances around a memory and survival of the fittest, the human flow between one place and another, and their views of the world are often obstructed,' says Zulkefli, who showcased his award-winning Temporary Marking, an installation and short film project, at the National Art Gallery in KL in early 2024. 'This piece was inspired by moments of silent observation – watching life unfold from inside my vehicle, separated by glass,' says Azim Rodi about his series at Galeri Petronas. Photo: The Star/Muhamad Shahril Rosli 'Using iron fencing as a medium to depict transition and liminal space, forcing the audience to go through this empty space, it evokes an eerie sense of fear, as it replicates a prison yard. This, coupled with the haunting rhythm of the looping video of different voices saying 'Pagar', acts like a reminder to us (citizens) about the boundaries and perspectives of the people who move from country to country,' he adds. Meanwhile, Azim Rodi – known for his pop culture art and murals – uses car windshields to explore isolation and survival in fast-paced urban life. In Langkah Terasing, five windshields, arranged like comic book panels, reflect his view of the world from behind glass during traffic stops. 'This piece was inspired by moments of silent observation – watching life unfold from inside my vehicle, separated by glass,' says Azim. 'The windshield symbolises movement and fleeting encounters. It creates a quiet barrier between the viewer and the world, reflecting how we often experience life: hurried, detached, and in passing. 'I painted only the main object, with surrounding images as line drawings – just as, when driving, we focus on one thing while everything else fades into the periphery,' he adds. New storytelling ways On a more introspective note, Yuki Mun explores the poetic possibilities of aluminium. Her works – that welcome visitors to the gallery – revolve around sanding marks left on the metal surface, which she likens to mist and fog – frequent motifs in her earlier paintings. In Aimman Hafizal's 'The 32nd Silence', viewers are invited not to sit, but to engage through observation - searching for the one stool that quietly breaks formation. Photo: The Star/Muhamad Shahril Rosli 'A recent commission project exposed me to aluminium material. I was thinking, what's new can be related to my identity work to bridging the theme in this exhibition. I started to observe the characteristics of material from my surroundings,' says Mun, who is presenting her Inner Portal, Outer World hanging installation at this Galeri PETRONAS show. 'I found the potential of this unconventional medium can bring out another possibility for my art practice. Fog and mist are identical forms and shapes in most of my paintings. I decided to use aluminium to inhabit the marks to translate it. 'It's not about the medium itself which makes it unique, it's about how artists engage with the medium as a bridging tool to explore new potentials on the artwork and boldness to share with the public,' she adds. Aimman Hafizal, known for his illustrative paintings referencing Malaysian folklore, takes a new approach for this exhibition, shifting into installation. With The 32nd Silence, he fills a room with batik-patterned chairs resembling sheep, a reference to the tale Serigala Berbulu Domba . Galeri PETRONAS is also showcasing key works from its collection that have shaped the artists in 'Old School x New Rules'. Photo: The Star/Muhamad Shahril Rosli 'Normally, I work with more flat mediums, but for The 32nd Silence, I stepped out of my comfort zone by thinking in three dimensions and engaging with space. The idea of extending printmaking logic, which is particularly the repetition and rhythm of batik, turned into a tactile, spatial form allowed me to reinterpret tradition in a way that felt both personal and experimental,' says Aimman. 'The inward, maze-like arrangement of the piece creates a sense of cautious movement and audience can navigate through this installation artwork. This mimics how the folktale teaches us to be alert to appearances. The folktale is always around us,' he adds. Galeri PETRONAS is also exhibiting selected works from its permanent collection, featuring key pieces that have informed and inspired the participating artists in Old School x New Rules . Among the distinguished names are Syed Ahmad Jamal, Khalil Ibrahim, Sharifah Fatimah Syed Zubir, Ilse Noor, Nirmala Dutt, Fatimah Chik, and Chuah Thean Teng. 'Old School X New Rules' at Galeri PETRONAS in KL is a free admission exhibition. It runs through Sept 28, and is closed on Mondays.


Scoop
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Art Show VIP And NZ Gala Evening Sold Out
Press Release – NZ Art Show The award-winning NZ Art Show returns next week with a vibrant showcase of extraordinary New Zealand art, continuing its streak of premier excellence in the art show artists' creativity, diversity, and innovation across Aotearoa, this year's show promises a dynamic art adventure for art lovers. The event kicks off with a sold-out VIP gala, at which 1,200 guests will enjoy live music, fine wine, boutique beer, and gourmet cocktail food while getting the first look at this year's incredible lineup of original New Zealand art. Spanning two dynamic venues—TSB Arena and Shed 6—the show will feature works by more than 250 artists, with around 120 artists onsite for art lovers to meet and discuss their practice. With over 25% of this year's exhibitors new to the show or early in their careers, audiences can expect a refreshing mix of established names and exciting new voices. As New Zealand's first, largest, and most successful art show, the NZ Art Show continues to be a beacon for artists and art enthusiasts alike. Its commitment to accessibility and affordability, with most works priced below $5,000, ensures that art remains inclusive and accessible. Featured Artists and Collectives Among the diverse talents on display are: METcALfe – A Hawke's Bay sister duo, Amy and Kate, crafting whimsical sculptures from recycled steel drums. Graeme Smallfield (Auckland) – A hyper-realistic painter and the Best Still Life Award winner at the 2023 International Guild of Realism's 17th Annual Juried Exhibition in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Wilkie Proudfoot (Wellington) – The 2024 Hyundai Emerging Artist Premier Award winner. Additionally, the show will feature renowned artist collectives such as: DYED Studios, an artist collective from Wellington NZ Glassworks, New Zealand's premier art glass gallery, based in Whanganui Space Studio & Gallery, a vibrant gallery and artist studios in Whanganui Art Start – a national organisation that promotes and exhibits artists aged 15–18 nationwide. New Zealand and Māori – renowned artist and cultural advocate Darcy Nicholas QSO (Wellington) brings together artists working across multiple media Art Awards – more than $30,000 in Prizes Celebrating artistic excellence, the 2025 NZ Art Show includes six awards: R.T Nelson Awards for Sculpture – $25,000 – sponsored by Richard T Nelson People's Choice Award – $3,000 – Sponsored by Brendan Foot Supersite Hyundai Emerging Artist Award – $1,000 – co-sponsored by Brendan Foot Supersite The Pippy Award – $1,000 The Precious Cargo Award – $500 – sponsored by Pack and Send, Thorndon The Luna Estate Wine Award Show Days & Ticketing The NZ Art Show will run over King's Birthday Weekend, May 30 – June 1. TSB Arena, Wellington. Tickets are available online for just $10 until May 30. Door sales will be $15. Children 12 years and under are free Secure your spot and experience the finest in New Zealand art. For more details and ticket purchases, visit: About the NZ Art Show: Statistics since 2004 20 million in art sales $200,000 presented in art awards 30,000 artworks sold 4,000 artists represented 150,000 visitors 2023 winner of Vibrant Gold in the Wellington Gold Awards The NZ Art Show is Aotearoa's premier annual art event, dedicated to showcasing the incredible talent of New Zealand's contemporary artists. Pioneers of the NZ art market scene, established in 2004, the event has grown into a vital platform for both emerging and established artists to present and sell their work. With over 250 artists and more than 4,000 artworks on display each year, the NZ Art Show is a cornerstone of New Zealand's vibrant art community. As Wellington's original art showcase, we take pride in fostering innovation and creativity, providing artists from across the country with the exposure they deserve. The event also serves as a unique opportunity for art lovers, collectors, and businesses to engage with artists, discover new talent, and purchase original New Zealand art. The NZ Art Show is governed by a charitable trust, with all profits being reinvested into the arts community. Our mission is to promote the appreciation and acquisition of New Zealand art while supporting the artists themselves. Our Board: Anne Stephenson (Chair), Frances Russell, Jane Hart, David Foot, Neil Paviour-Smith


Scoop
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Art Show VIP And NZ Gala Evening Sold Out
The award-winning NZ Art Show returns next week with a vibrant showcase of extraordinary New Zealand art, continuing its streak of premier excellence in the art show industry. Celebrating artists' creativity, diversity, and innovation across Aotearoa, this year's show promises a dynamic art adventure for art lovers. The event kicks off with a sold-out VIP gala, at which 1,200 guests will enjoy live music, fine wine, boutique beer, and gourmet cocktail food while getting the first look at this year's incredible lineup of original New Zealand art. Spanning two dynamic venues—TSB Arena and Shed 6—the show will feature works by more than 250 artists, with around 120 artists onsite for art lovers to meet and discuss their practice. With over 25% of this year's exhibitors new to the show or early in their careers, audiences can expect a refreshing mix of established names and exciting new voices. As New Zealand's first, largest, and most successful art show, the NZ Art Show continues to be a beacon for artists and art enthusiasts alike. Its commitment to accessibility and affordability, with most works priced below $5,000, ensures that art remains inclusive and accessible. Featured Artists and Collectives Among the diverse talents on display are: METcALfe – A Hawke's Bay sister duo, Amy and Kate, crafting whimsical sculptures from recycled steel drums. Graeme Smallfield (Auckland) – A hyper-realistic painter and the Best Still Life Award winner at the 2023 International Guild of Realism's 17th Annual Juried Exhibition in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Wilkie Proudfoot (Wellington) – The 2024 Hyundai Emerging Artist Premier Award winner. Additionally, the show will feature renowned artist collectives such as: DYED Studios, an artist collective from Wellington NZ Glassworks, New Zealand's premier art glass gallery, based in Whanganui Space Studio & Gallery, a vibrant gallery and artist studios in Whanganui Art Start - a national organisation that promotes and exhibits artists aged 15–18 nationwide. New Zealand and Māori - renowned artist and cultural advocate Darcy Nicholas QSO (Wellington) brings together artists working across multiple media Art Awards – more than $30,000 in Prizes Celebrating artistic excellence, the 2025 NZ Art Show includes six awards: R.T Nelson Awards for Sculpture – $25,000 - sponsored by Richard T Nelson People's Choice Award – $3,000 - Sponsored by Brendan Foot Supersite Hyundai Emerging Artist Award – $1,000 - co-sponsored by Brendan Foot Supersite The Pippy Award – $1,000 The Precious Cargo Award – $500 - sponsored by Pack and Send, Thorndon The Luna Estate Wine Award Show Days & Ticketing The NZ Art Show will run over King's Birthday Weekend, May 30 – June 1. TSB Arena, Wellington. Tickets are available online for just $10 until May 30. Door sales will be $15. Children 12 years and under are free Secure your spot and experience the finest in New Zealand art. For more details and ticket purchases, visit: About the NZ Art Show: Statistics since 2004 20 million in art sales $200,000 presented in art awards 30,000 artworks sold 4,000 artists represented 150,000 visitors 2023 winner of Vibrant Gold in the Wellington Gold Awards The NZ Art Show is Aotearoa's premier annual art event, dedicated to showcasing the incredible talent of New Zealand's contemporary artists. Pioneers of the NZ art market scene, established in 2004, the event has grown into a vital platform for both emerging and established artists to present and sell their work. With over 250 artists and more than 4,000 artworks on display each year, the NZ Art Show is a cornerstone of New Zealand's vibrant art community. As Wellington's original art showcase, we take pride in fostering innovation and creativity, providing artists from across the country with the exposure they deserve. The event also serves as a unique opportunity for art lovers, collectors, and businesses to engage with artists, discover new talent, and purchase original New Zealand art. The NZ Art Show is governed by a charitable trust, with all profits being reinvested into the arts community. Our mission is to promote the appreciation and acquisition of New Zealand art while supporting the artists themselves.


Scoop
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Awards And Recognition Take Centre Stage At The 2025 NZ Art Show
More than $30,000 in prize money will be awarded at the 2025 NZ Art Show, celebrating artistic excellence and recognising both emerging and established talent from across Aotearoa. With six distinct awards on offer—ranging from major sculpture prizes to youth encouragement awards—this year's event continues its proud tradition of supporting artists and championing creativity in all its forms. The prizes are made possible by the generosity of private donors and sponsors, reflecting the strength of community backing for the arts. R.T Nelson Awards for Sculpture – $25,000 Now in its fourth year, the R.T Nelson Awards for Sculpture remain one of the country's most significant art prizes. Established by arts philanthropist Richard Nelson, the award highlights sculptural excellence and innovation. This year's showcase includes 32 finalists exhibiting 56 works, with prize categories as follows: Premier Award – $15,000 Highly Commended Awards – 2 x $1,000 People's Choice Award – $2,000 The remaining finalists receive a $250 finalist award Hyundai Emerging Artist Award – $1,000 Jointly sponsored by Brendan Foot Supersite, this award encourages promising young artists still at secondary school. Open to NCEA Level 3 students from the Greater Wellington region, it celebrates youthful creativity and ambition. People's Choice Art Award – $3,000 Also sponsored by Brendan Foot Supersite, this much-loved award allows the public to vote for their favourite artwork from a curated selection. Ten standout pieces, selected by a panel, will be displayed in a dedicated space. The most popular work wins the prize. The Pippy Award – $1,000 This heartfelt award was created in memory of Pip Lawn. Her family and friends select and purchase a work each year that reflects Pip's vibrant love of art, with the chosen artist also receiving the Pippy Award. The prize celebrates the personal stories and emotional connections that art makes possible. The Precious Cargo Award – $500 Sponsored by PACK & SEND Thorndon Quay, this award honours work that explores ideas of value, protection, and what we consider 'precious'. It's a reminder that art can speak powerfully to our shared human experience. The Luna Estate Wine Award Blending art and viticulture, the Luna Estate Wine Award will see the Luna team select an artwork to feature on the label of a future wine release. The chosen piece will reflect the ethos and spirit of Luna Estate—capturing the character of their brand through artistic expression. It's a unique opportunity for an artist to have their work showcased well beyond the gallery walls. Executive Director Carla Russell says the awards reflect the depth and diversity of talent in the show: 'Each year, these prizes give us the chance to shine a spotlight on incredible artists—many of whom go on to achieve national recognition. We're especially proud to offer support across generations, from high school students to established sculptors.' Winners will be announced over King's Birthday Weekend (May 30–June 1), with a VIP Preview and Gala Evening on May 29 for sponsors and Friends of the Show. The 2025 NZ Art Show will feature over 250 artists and around 4,000 original works spanning painting, photography, ceramics, sculpture, glass, mixed media and digital art. It's a celebration of New Zealand's creative spirit—and an invitation to discover your next favourite artist. As the country's largest and most successful curated art show, the NZ Art Show remains committed to accessibility and affordability, with most works priced under $5,000. Experience the 2025 NZ Art Show - at TSB Arena, Wellington: May 30–June 1 Tickets available now at WHERE: TSB Arena & Shed 6 | Queen's Wharf | Wellington |New Zealand WHEN: King's Birthday Weekend, 2025 VIP Preview: Thursday 29 May, 9 – 11am Gala Evening: Thursday 29 May, 6 – 9.30pm Show Days: Friday – Saturday, 30 – 31 May, 10am – 6.30pm Daily Sunday 1 June 2024, 10am – 5pm TICKETS: Door sales are available: $15 Adult, $10 Student and Community Service card, children 12 years and under are free Discounted pre-sales available via More information can be found online - About the NZ Art Show: Statistics since 2004 20 million in art sales $200,000 presented in art awards 30,000 artworks sold 4,000 artists represented 150,000 visitors 2023 winner of Vibrant Gold in the Wellington Gold Awards The NZ Art Show is Aotearoa's premier annual art event, dedicated to showcasing the incredible talent of New Zealand's contemporary artists. Pioneers of the NZ art market scene, established in 2004, the event has grown into a vital platform for both emerging and established artists to present and sell their work. With over 250 artists and more than 4,000 artworks on display each year, the NZ Art Show is a cornerstone of New Zealand's vibrant art community. As Wellington's original art showcase, we take pride in fostering innovation and creativity, providing artists from across the country with the exposure they deserve. The event also serves as a unique opportunity for art lovers, collectors, and businesses to engage with artists, discover new talent, and purchase original New Zealand art. The NZ Art Show is governed by a charitable trust, with all profits being reinvested into the arts community. Our mission is to promote the appreciation and acquisition of New Zealand art while supporting the artists themselves.


New York Times
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
Art Fairs to See in the New York City Area in May
Art lovers of all kinds — from seasoned curators and collectors to newcomers — flock to New York City in May to experience the area's vibrant art scene. 'May in New York is a special moment on the cultural calendar — the city is in full bloom,' said Amy Hau, director of the Noguchi Museum in Queens. Art fairs such as TEFAF and Frieze bring together artists and galleries from around the world, but the scope and volume can be overwhelming. 'For anyone just starting to collect, I always say — don't be intimidated by the big fairs, even if they can feel like a bit of a visual overload,' Hau said. 'Just go, look around, and see what resonates with you. Even if you're not buying, these fairs are an inspiring, low-pressure way to learn, explore and connect with artists and gallerists.' Here is a selection of some of the May fairs that will introduce visitors to works and experiences, including 18th-century portraits, new voices in contemporary art and an interactive art scavenger hunt. Venues range from an elegant Beaux-Arts building on Manhattan's East Side to a former warehouse in the Powerhouse Arts District in downtown Jersey City, N.J. Some offer free admission. Clio Art Fair May 1-4 and 8-11 at 528-532 West 28th Street More than 70 self-represented contemporary and emerging artists are displaying about 250 works, including paintings, sculptures, photographs, mixed media works and installations, at Clio Art Fair, named for the Greek Muse of history and the poetry she inspired. The artists have their own exhibition spaces to encourage relaxed and direct interaction with visitors, and prices range from $250 to $25,000. 'Behave as if God Exists,' an immersive performance project, explores spiritual, social and existential themes through live actions and interventions by artists. Esther II May 6-10 at New York Estonian House, 243 East 34th Street Twenty-five galleries from 18 cities around the world will fill the elegant New York Estonian House for Esther's second year. Founders Margot Samel and Olga Temnikova, gallerists with strong connections to Tallinn, Estonia, discarded the traditional art fair booth concept in favor of shared gallery spaces. Artworks, site-specific installations, performances and events will be presented — and experienced — throughout the four-story Beaux-Arts building, once a gathering spot for Estonian refugees after World War II. 'Return to Innocence,' a series of sculptural candle holders by the Tallinn artist Edith Karlson, will guide visitors, and the basement will be transformed into a showroom that will include custom-made products by the Estonian designer Laivi. SPRING/BREAK Art Show May 6-12 at 75 Varick Street Nontraditional exhibition venues, free spaces for independent curators and reduced-cost spaces for galleries and nonprofits — strategies designed to reduce upfront risk and encourage experimental work — are a few of the hallmarks of SPRING/BREAK Art Show. More than 350 midcareer and emerging artists will be showcased at a landmark building that was once home to many firms in printing and related trades. Among them is the actor Alia Shawkat, whose paintings chart her Assyrian lineage and family migration, reflecting the immigrant story motif that recurs in this year's theme of 'PARADISE LOST + FOUND.' Future Fair May 7-10 at Chelsea Industrial, 535 West 28th Street Future Fair's fifth anniversary edition will feature nearly 70 local, national and international exhibitors. A quarter are minority-owned, a quarter are global and over half are led by women. Since its founding in 2020, the fair has embraced a cooperative business model, initially profit sharing with founding galleries. Starting this year, the fair will commit 15 percent of its profits toward a pay-it-forward fund that allocates grants to rising art dealers. Visitors can swing by a culinary pop-up by the Brooklyn restaurant Stowaway and grab some Southern-inspired fare and limited-edition anniversary beers crafted by Grimm Artisanal Ales. Art Fair 14C May 8-11 at 157B First Street, Jersey City 'Our name (14C) is a wink to the 'What exit?' joke about New Jersey,' Robinson Holloway, Art Fair 14C's chief executive, wrote in an email, 'and we embrace our Jersey roots and celebrate the art of our native state.' But exhibitors are wide ranging and include the International Sculpture Center, an artists collective from Brooklyn and a small New Jersey nonprofit that works with artists with disabilities. The Pompidou Center in Paris, which plans a North American outpost in Jersey City, she said, will provide programming, including a workshop for children based on masterpieces from their permanent collection in cooperation with the Jersey City Free Public Library. The venue is a former warehouse for the Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company (A&P) in the Powerhouse Arts District. Tours will be available before regular hours for visitors who are visually impaired or need low sensory environments. The Other Art Fair Brooklyn May 8-11 at ZeroSpace, 337-345 Butler Street The 15th edition of the Other Art Fair Brooklyn, presented by Saatchi Art, continues its mission to support artists and make the art world more accessible and inclusive in unexpected and fun ways. A wide variety of works, in forms including documentary photography and embroidery, by 125 New York-area artists, will be shown along with immersive installations, performances and artist-led activities. Highlights include a fantasy drawing experience by the portrait painter Ben Lenovitz, an interactive art scavenger hunt led by the multimedia artist Joe Kraft and machine-free tattoo pop-ups. Special Mother's Day weekend events feature photographic portrait sessions with the artist and author Anna Marie Tendler and hands-on workshops for making paper flowers. The American Art Fair May 10-13 at Bohemian National Hall, 321 East 73rd Street The American Art Fair, now in its 18th year, exclusively celebrates 18th- to 21st-century American works. More than 400 landscapes, portraits, still lifes and sculptures — from folk Art and the Hudson River School through the modernist movements — will be on view. The fair offers a series of lectures, such as one tied to the 'Sargent and Paris' exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art that looks at the early years of the American painter John Singer Sargent's career, from his arrival in Paris in 1874 as a young art student through the mid-1880s. More Art Events There are plenty of art goings-on in New York City beyond the fairs. MoMA PS1 in Queens will present the first U.S. museum exhibition of the Angolan-born artist Sandra Poulson. Her sculptures, made from furniture and influenced by daily life and customs in her hometown, Luanda, examine how intimate spaces become spheres for political consciousness. Nature lovers may enjoy the photo-based work inspired by the gardens of the poet Emily Dickinson at Rick Wester Fine Art in Chelsea, or a respite at the Davis Center in Central Park, which opened last week and has a series of special events planned. NYC Tourism + Conventions' Spring 2025 Arts Guide provides a raft of art exhibitions, live performances, festivals and outdoor public art programs, including museums, memorials, monuments and attractions that are always free or are free on specific days and times. A special website this year lists places and events that commemorate 400 years of New York City history. 'Don't miss some of the great museum exhibitions that will be on view,' Hau of the Noguchi Museum said. 'This season's highlight is definitely the Amy Sherald show at the Whitney.' She also recommends visiting the newly renovated Frick Museum, checking out the public art along the High Line, stopping by the nearby Chelsea galleries and taking a ferry to Queens to visit the institution she leads, which is dedicated to the work of the Japanese American sculptor Isamu Noguchi. Special exhibits, art-making activities, musical performances, and dance and culinary programs are among the events planned at the museum in May, many to celebrate its 40th anniversary. 'And visitors shouldn't forget the garden,' she added. 'It's one of the most beautiful times to experience our outdoor space, offering a quiet, contemplative escape from the energy and pace of the city.'