New films, culinary hotspots, and exhibitions to remember, fun things to do this February

Read time 4 minutes

Daniel Mebarek from the project La Lucha Continúa, 2020

Art and culture transcend boundaries, offering windows into diverse worlds. From thought-provoking retrospectives to dynamic contemporary showcases, this is your guide to 17 extraordinary experiences.

The Howard Greenberg Gallery in New York is hosting A Female Gaze: Seven Decades of Women Street Photographers, an exhibition celebrating 12 women photographers. Spanning from the 1930s to the 2000s, the collection features iconic talents like Diane Arbus and Mary Ellen Mark. Their snapshots transform everyday life into timeless art. As Mark herself once said, “Photograph the world as it is, because nothing is more interesting than reality.”

Drawing a Blank, a multi-city exhibition series, returns to London from February 17–27, 2022, at 14 Wharf Road. This show seeks to challenge traditional gallery spaces, offering emerging artists a platform. Founder Ben Broome states, “We aim to break down barriers that keep young artists out of spaces where they deserve to be.”

Whitechapel Gallery’s A Century of the Artist’s Studio 1920–2020 explores 100 years of creative spaces. From Egon Schiele to Louise Bourgeois, the exhibit reveals how studios serve as reflections of artists’ minds. The diverse range of works includes films, paintings, and sculptures.

Kerry James Marshall, Untitled (Painter), 2008 Courtesy of the artist, David Zwirner London and Jack Shainman Gallery, New York, photography by Steve Briggs

Dulwich Picture Gallery celebrates Helen Frankenthaler’s groundbreaking woodcuts in Radical Beauty. Running until April 18, 2022, the exhibit captures her mastery of abstract expressionism. Frankenthaler’s vibrant work proves that innovation can redefine traditional techniques.

Hamiltons Gallery presents The Great and The Good, a tribute to iconic fashion photography. Works by Mario Testino, Richard Avedon, and Helmut Newton showcase high fashion as art. Each piece invites viewers into the world of glamour and cultural milestones.

Faith Ringgold’s American People retrospective opens February 17, 2022, at the New Museum in New York. Featuring her famous story quilts and paintings, the exhibit highlights her exploration of racial and gender identities. Ringgold’s work is a testament to art as activism.

In Helsinki, The Modern Woman celebrates Finnish women artists’ contributions to 20th-century modernism. The exhibit showcases 180 works, highlighting how gender and upbringing influenced their art. Helene Schjerfbeck’s breathtaking self-portraits are a standout feature.

Paris honors sculptor Charles Ray with a dual exhibition at the Centre Pompidou and the Pinault Collection. From early performances to intricate figurative sculptures, the exhibit showcases his evolution. Ray’s work challenges viewers to rethink the essence of sculpture.

The Almeida Theatre stages Eugène Ionesco’s The Chairs, directed by Omar Elerian. Starring Kathryn Hunter and Marcello Magni, the play reflects on life, love, and meaning. It’s a poignant production that resonates with audiences of all ages.

“Art is a universal language that connects us all,” said curator Rachel Miles. “Every exhibition is a story, and every story has the power to inspire.”

Helen Frankenthaler, Madame Butterfly, 2000© 2021 Helen Frankenthaler Foundation, Inc. / ARS, NY and DACS, London / Tyler Graphic Ltd., Mount Kisco, NY

London’s Young Vic presents The Collaboration, a play dramatizing Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat’s relationship. Set in 1980s New York, the play explores their creative and personal dynamics. Directed by Kwame Kwei-Armah, it’s a must-see for art enthusiasts.

Opera lovers will be enchanted by the English National Opera’s The Cunning Little Vixen. This beloved opera tells the tale of a clever fox’s adventures and the forester she outsmarts. The production combines whimsy with profound themes.

The Drawing a Blank series continues to spotlight emerging artists. This year’s London show features works by talents like Leo Xu and Rhea Dillon. The exhibit offers a glimpse into the future of contemporary art.

Herb Ritts, Darati – Profile, Africa, 1993 Courtesy of Hamiltons Gallery.

Whitechapel Gallery’s focus on studios as creative sanctuaries resonates deeply. Including works by Lisa Brice and Kerry James Marshall, the exhibit explores the intimate link between environment and artistry.

Helen Frankenthaler’s woodcuts at Dulwich Picture Gallery redefine printmaking. Her abstract expressionism remains as revolutionary today as it was during her career. The exhibition is a celebration of her enduring legacy.

Hamiltons Gallery bridges the worlds of fashion and fine art in The Great and The Good. The show’s imagery captures moments that transcend time and trend. It’s a feast for both fashion lovers and art connoisseurs.

Faith Ringgold, Matisse’s Model: The French Collection Part I, #5, 1991 © Faith Ringgold / ARS, NY and DACS, London, courtesy ACA Galleries, New York.

Faith Ringgold’s retrospective at the New Museum proves her art’s relevance. Her story quilts and paintings speak to the enduring fight for justice. Ringgold’s creativity continues to inspire change.

The Ateneum Art Museum’s celebration of Finnish women artists is a revelation. Their works redefine modernism through the lens of gender and resilience. This exhibit is a tribute to their lasting influence.

Across all the featured exhibitions, the common thread lies in their ability to offer new perspectives—be it on history, modernity, or the future of art itself. From timeless photography capturing raw human moments to abstract masterpieces and avant-garde sculptures, these showcases push boundaries while honoring the legacy of creativity. These exhibitions don’t just celebrate the artists but invite viewers to actively engage in conversations about identity, society, and change, making them a must-see for anyone seeking artistic inspiration.

Text by
Kyrie Carlo

Posted
February 1, 2022

Text by
Kyrie Carlo

August 9, 2018

Exhibitions

A Female Gaze: Seven Decades of Women Street Photographers at Howard Greenberg Gallery, New York: Until April 2, 2022 At Howard Greenberg Gallery, a new exhibition showcases over seven decades of street photography by 12 great women photographers, from Diane Arbus, Helen Levitt and Vivian Maier to Mary Ellen Mark and Ruth Orkin. Spanning the 1930s through to the early 2000s, the show is filled with perfectly captured snapshots of everyday life in an ever-transforming world. As Mark herself once said, “photograph the world as it is, because nothing is more interesting than reality.”

Daniel Mebarek from the project La Lucha Continúa, 2020

Drawing a Blank at 14 Wharf Road, London: February 17-27, 2022
The multi-city exhibition series Drawing a Blank returns to London this month for a pop-up show at the former site of Parasol Unit in Shoreditch. As with its previous iterations, the exhibition centers around the democratization of the white cube, and “breaking down the very real barriers that prevent young and emerging artists from accessing, or even feeling comfortable in, these kinds of spaces”, in the words of the series’ founder Ben Broome. The show will offer visitors the chance to discover work by some of the most exciting new names in contemporary art, with featured artists including Rhea Dillon, Daniel Mebarek, Ebun Sodipo, Leo Xu, and many more.

Kerry James Marshall, Untitled (Painter), 2008 Courtesy of the artist, David Zwirner London and Jack Shainman Gallery, New York, photography by Steve Briggs

A Century of the Artist’s Studio 1920-2020 at Whitechapel Gallery, London: February 17 – May 29, 2022
In London, meanwhile, Whitechapel Gallery will soon present a compelling survey of the artist’s studio, as depicted in the work of various international artists and image-makers over a 100-year time span. Including paintings, sculptures, installations, and films, the show will take us inside the workspaces of such icons as Francis Bacon, Louise Bourgeois, Egon Schiele, and Andy Warhol, as well as contemporary figures like Walead Beshty, Lisa Brice, and Kerry James Marshall, to examine “the wide-ranging possibilities and significance of these crucibles of creativity”.

Helen Frankenthaler: Radical Beauty at Dulwich Picture Gallery: Until April 18, 2022
Londoners, be sure to catch Dulwich Picture Gallery’s current display of rare and previously unseen woodcuts by the late pioneer of abstract expressionism, Helen Frankenthaler. With their sumptuous colors and surprisingly fluid forms, the works on display are a feast for the eyes, while revealing Frankenthaler as an experimental “trailblazer of the printmaking movement,” as the exhibition text notes.

Herb Ritts, Darati – Profile, Africa, 1993 Courtesy of Hamiltons Gallery.

The Great and The Good at Hamiltons Gallery, London: Until March 3, 2022
For fashion photography fans, there’s a new show at Hamiltons Gallery, featuring a range of spellbinding imagery by its represented artists. Mario Testino turns his lens on an elegant Gisele Bundchen, Richard Avedon captures a spliff-toking Lauren Hutton, while Helmut Newton’s iconic image of two models, one nude, the other decked in Yves Saint Laurent’s 1966 Le Smoking tuxedo, sits alongside Hiro’s famous image of a model sporting Cristóbal Balenciaga’s 1967 Four Cornered Dress.

Faith Ringgold, Matisse’s Model: The French Collection Part I, #5, 1991 © Faith Ringgold / ARS, NY and DACS, London, courtesy ACA Galleries, New York.

Faith Ringgold: American People at New Museum, New York: February 17 – June 5, 2022
The remarkable American artist, author, educator, and organizer Faith Ringgold is the subject of an expansive retrospective, opening at New York’s New Museum later this month. Traversing her 60-year career, and featuring all of Ringgold’s best-known series, the show will examine the artist’s distinct figurative style “as it [has] evolved to meet the urgency of political and social change”. It will also spotlight Ringgold’s “radical explorations of gender and racial identities” as incorporated into her paintings, soft sculptures, and singular story quilts.

Helene Schjerfbeck, Forty Years Old, 1939 , Courtesy of the Finnish National Gallery, photography by Hannu Aaltonen.

The Modern Woman at Ateneum Art Museum, Helsinki: February 11 – March 27, 2022
In Helsinki, a forthcoming show will foreground the work of 12 Finnish women artists and their striking contributions to 20th-century modernism. Some 180 paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints, and accompanying artists’ biographies, will reveal how each artist’s gender, social status, and upbringing influenced both their independent professional careers and the works themselves. A particular highlight is the selection of breathtaking paintings by Helene Schjerfbeck, doyenne of the abstracted self-portrait.

Charles Ray, Plank Piece II, 1973 © Charles Ray, courtesy of Matthew Marks Gallery.

Charles Ray at Centre Pompidou and the Pinault Collection, Paris: February 16 – June 20, 2022
For 50 years, the American artist Charles Ray has interrogated the meaning of sculpture, while inviting his audience to do the same. This month, at the Centre Pompidou and the Pinault Collection in Paris, a new two-part exhibition designed in dialogue with the artist himself, will guide visitors through Ray’s various investigations into sculpture over the years, from his early experimental performances, featuring his own body, through to his figurative pieces from the 1990s onwards. It will also present key new works, rendered in everything from computer-milled stainless steel to painted paper.

The Collaboration at The Young Vic.

Last but not least, at The Almeida, be sure to catch the new production of Eugène Ionesco’s tragic farce The Chairs, translated and directed by Omar Elerian. Starring veteran stage actors Kathryn Hunter and Marcello Magni, the play “reflects on a life lived together: on what has been, what might have been, and what it all really means”. Elsewhere, The Young Vic is soon to stage the world premiere of Anthony McCarten’s latest play The Collaboration, directed by Kwame Kwei-Armah and centered on the relationship between legendary artists Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat in 1980s New York. While for opera aficionados, there’s the ENO’s latest production of Leoš Janáček’s beloved opera The Cunning Little Vixen about a clever fox and the forester from whose clutches she escapes.

Andy Warhol By & Large Design Exhibitions Philosophy Unique Perspectives

Discussions

Echoes of Excellence: Pyer Moss Collection 3 Strikes a Bold Note in Tribute to Rock ‘N’ Roll Heritage

Read time 5 minutes

Text by
Kyrie Carlo

Photography by
Balint Alovits

Posted
June 4, 2022

Pyer Moss Collection 3, "Sister," Delves Deep into the Untold Black History of Rock 'N' Roll, Offering Reverence and Recognition to Its Pioneers.

In the electrifying conclusion to the “American, Also” series, titled “Sister,” the spotlight turns to the incomparable Sister Rosetta Tharpe, whose groundbreaking contributions to music paved the way for generations to come. Revered as the black woman who invented Rock ‘N’ Roll, Tharpe’s legacy is honored through a collection of artwork by recently exonerated artist Richard Philips. This final runway event takes place at the iconic Kings Theatre, a legendary concert hall nestled in the heart of Flatbush, Brooklyn, paying homage to the roots of designer Kerby Jean-Raymond.

Sister Rosetta Tharpe’s influence on the music industry transcends time and genre. From her soul-stirring vocals to her unparalleled guitar skills, Tharpe challenged conventions and defied expectations, carving out a space for herself in a predominantly male-dominated industry. Through her pioneering spirit and fearless creativity, Tharpe blazed a trail for countless artists, leaving an indelible mark on the world of music.

For “American, Also; Lesson 3: Sister,” designer Kerby Jean-Raymond draws inspiration from Tharpe’s boldness and authenticity, infusing each piece with elements of her dynamic persona. The collection pays homage to Tharpe’s fearless style and unapologetic attitude, celebrating her resilience and unwavering commitment to her craft.

Richard Philips, a recently exonerated artist, lends his artistic vision to the collection, capturing the essence of Tharpe’s spirit through his evocative artwork. His pieces serve as a visual tribute to Tharpe’s enduring legacy, offering viewers a glimpse into the soul of a true trailblazer.

The choice of Kings Theatre as the venue for this momentous event holds special significance for Kerby Jean-Raymond, whose roots in Flatbush run deep. As a native son of Brooklyn, Jean-Raymond pays homage to his hometown and its rich cultural heritage, while also honoring Tharpe’s connection to the vibrant music scene of the city.

In bringing together the artistry of Richard Philips, the bold designs of Kerby Jean-Raymond, and the legendary legacy of Sister Rosetta Tharpe, “American, Also; Lesson 3: Sister” becomes more than just a fashion show—it becomes a celebration of resilience, creativity, and the enduring power of music to unite and inspire. As the lights dim and the music fills the air, audiences are transported on a journey through time, guided by the spirit of a true pioneer.

Sister Rosetta Tharpe’s remarkable journey began in the heart of the Jim Crow era, where she faced countless obstacles and discrimination as a black woman in the music industry. Despite the challenges, Tharpe remained steadfast in her pursuit of greatness, using her voice and her guitar to break down barriers and defy stereotypes. Her innovative blend of gospel, blues, and rock paved the way for future generations of artists, earning her a rightful place in the pantheon of music legends.

“In Pyer Moss Collection 3, ‘Sister,’ we pay homage to the unsung heroes of Rock ‘N’ Roll, shining a light on their invaluable contributions and ensuring their legacy is remembered and celebrated.”

As the “American, Also; Lesson 3: Sister” collection comes to life on the runway, viewers are treated to a visual and auditory feast that transcends the boundaries of fashion and art. Each garment becomes a canvas for Richard Philips’ evocative artwork, seamlessly integrated into Kerby Jean-Raymond’s bold designs. The fusion of art and music creates a multi-sensory experience that pays homage to Tharpe’s eclectic style and larger-than-life persona.

At its core, “American, Also; Lesson 3: Sister” is a celebration of diversity and inclusion, reflecting Tharpe’s belief in the power of music to bring people together across racial and cultural divides. Through his designs, Jean-Raymond amplifies Tharpe’s message of unity and acceptance, challenging industry norms and championing diversity on the runway. The collection serves as a reminder that music and fashion have the power to inspire change and foster connections that transcend borders and barriers.

Kings Theatre, with its storied history and grandeur, serves as the perfect backdrop for this momentous occasion. As the lights illuminate the stage and the first notes of Tharpe’s iconic songs fill the air, the audience is transported back in time to an era of raw emotion and unbridled passion. The theater’s rich legacy as a hub for live music and performance adds an extra layer of authenticity to the event, reinforcing Brooklyn’s status as a cultural epicenter.

As “American, Also; Lesson 3: Sister” unfolds before their eyes, young aspiring artists and musicians in the audience are inspired by Tharpe’s fearless spirit and unwavering determination. Through her music and her legacy, Tharpe continues to serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for future generations, reminding them to dream big and never give up on their passions.

As the final curtain falls on “American, Also; Lesson 3: Sister,” the audience is left with a sense of awe and reverence for the incredible legacy of Sister Rosetta Tharpe. But the show is more than just a tribute—it’s a call to action to continue Tharpe’s fight for equality, justice, and artistic freedom. As they exit the theater, viewers are encouraged to carry Tharpe’s message forward and use their own talents and voices to create positive change in the world.

As the echoes of Tharpe’s music fade into the night, her legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of all who were fortunate enough to witness “American, Also; Lesson 3: Sister.” Through the power of art, music, and fashion, Tharpe’s indomitable spirit continues to inspire and uplift, reminding us of the transformative power of creativity and the enduring impact of one woman’s extraordinary journey.