If you’re in search of an unforgettable cultural event in the center of New York, Fotografiska is the one to go to. Known as Fotografiska, this museum originated in Stockholm in 2010 and has since grown to include five cities on three continents, offering top-notch exhibitions and versatile programs to art lovers everywhere.
The New York location at the renowned Park Avenue South is currently hosting a trio of superb presentations that you must not miss. The exhibitions will range from mind-boggling interpretations of African mythology and science fiction to stunning displays of nature’s magnificence. With each exhibit, you will be left with awe and a desire for more.
So grab your artsy friends, mark your calendars, and get ready to immerse yourself in the incredible world of Fotografiska NY!
Futuristic Ancestry
Warping Matter and Space-time(s)
February 2 – May 25, 2024
To begin, we have the solo U.S. museum debut of Josèfa Ntjam, a young, talented French artist. Through a multi-sensory video experience, biomorphic sculptures, and striking photomontage printed on plexiglass and aluminum, this exhibition will take you on a kaleidoscopic journey into Afro-diasporic history, race and revolution.
Ntjam’s work is a true feast for the senses, embodying a fluidity that’s both metaphorical and literal in its manifestation. Her extraterrestrial-looking biomorphic avatars and beings explore themes of African mythology, biological processes, and ingrained (but outdated) ideas about origin, identity, and race that still rule our world.
One of the highlights is Ntjam’s 19-minute film Matter Gone Wild, a poetic audiovisual exploration of revolution and systematic oppression through the lens of three distinct characters residing in a psychedelic, otherworldly multiverse. With her hallucinogenic, multi-sensory approach, Ntjam invokes Mother Earth and her own life experiences, creating a dynamic interplay of hybrid forms and dialogues that will leave you spellbound.
Human / Nature
Encountering Ourselves in the Natural World
February 9 – May 19, 2024
This powerful group exhibition takes a global perspective to examine the complex, often fraught relationship between humans and the natural world. Through photographs, immersive video installations, and sculptures by 14 international artists, Human / Nature pushes viewers to reflect on how people and the Earth have profoundly shaped each other.
While our influence on nature has had far-reaching consequences (just look at climate change), this show illuminates moments of both harmony and recovery, never shying away from humankind’s tendency towards destruction. As you wander through scenes depicting the impact of urbanization and industry on ecosystems worldwide, you’ll be prompted to ponder: where, if at all, do humans truly belong in nature?
From David Ụzọchukwu and Lewis Miller’s reverent celebrations of nature’s beauty to Edward Burtynsky’s aerial photographs investigating industry’s environmental toll, this exhibition offers a multifaceted, thought-provoking look at our role as stewards (or despoilers) of the planet. Xiye Bastida, the young activist featured, sums it up perfectly: “We share the same skin as Mother Earth, and we are part of the beings that make nature what she is. Of course, now we are in a state of ‘out-of-balance’ with nature, so much so that we see ourselves as separate from her.”
At once celebratory and contemplative, Human / Nature is a poignant call for thoughtful reflection, evaluation, and sincere appreciation of the world we call home.
Daniel Arsham
PHASES
22 Mar 2024 – 13 Jun 2024
Last but definitely not least, get ready for the first-ever exhibition dedicated to contemporary NYC artist Daniel Arsham’s incredible photography practice. While Arsham is best known for his iconic collaborations with brands like Tiffany & Co., Disney, and Hot Wheels, his personal archive of photographs has remained largely unseen by the world… until now.
This multimedia showcase will take you on a journey alongside the artist, offering a lens into his life with a focus on the juxtaposition of natural and urban environments. Expect to encounter never-before-seen photographs alongside sculptures and artworks that collectively demonstrate just how pivotal photography has been to Arsham’s overall artistic practice.
The nightscape and skyline shots that Arsham presents are in black and white. He emphasizes on light, time and negative space in a manner that is visually captivating. As the artist himself puts it, “My grandfather gave me my first camera, a Pentax K 1000, when I was 11 years old. The gift quickly became an obsession: I will be faced with the struggle of carrying the camera, the click of the shutter and the thought that these pictures will be the only way of documenting my life for years to come.”
Here is your unparalleled opportunity to view the world through Daniel Arsham’s distinct lens and to discover a deeper understanding of the intriguing mind of today’s multidisciplinary artist.
Conclusion
And here are the three amazing exhibitions that demonstrate the impeccable taste, imagination, and power of art at Fotografiska New York. Whether you are a die-hard art lover or a curious beginner, these exhibitions will definitely ignite your imagination and make you see the medium of photography in a completely different light.
Fotografiska members enjoy unlimited free entry anytime, but for the rest of us, tickets are $28 for adults, $18 for seniors and students, and free for kids 12 and under (up to four per paid guest). Military and veteran discounts are also available. With the museum located at 281 Park Ave South, it’s an easy destination to hit on your next NYC art-venturing day. Trust me, these exhibitions are more than worth the trip – your mind (and Instagram feed) will thank you!
What are you waiting for? Grab those tickets and experience the incredible “What’s On” at Fotografiska New York for yourself. Let me know which exhibit speaks to you the most in the comments!
