Teen Opening
Jan 4, 2016

Teens hold hands during a project in the gallery.

A YI Leader pairs up two teens for In Equality. Photograph by Filip Wolak

Teens hold hands during a project in the gallery.

On Saturday, May 30, over 450 teens visited the new Whitney for the Teen Opening. The program was organized by the Whitney’s Youth Insights (YI) teen Leaders. Highlights of the evening included rap music by members DonChristian and Rahel of Camp & Street and artist talks by Josh Kline and Dread Scott, and a “social sculpture” performance created by Scott in collaboration with the YI Leaders. Scott is known for his provocative work that draws on historical narratives and challenges contemporary injustices.

teens gathered outside with artist

Youth Insights Leaders with artist Dread Scott. Photograph by Filip Wolak

teens gathered outside with artist

In early May, Scott met with YI Leaders to create a participatory art activity for the Teen Opening. He challenged them to use this opportunity to confront issues facing their generation. They designed an interactive activity titled In Equality in which YI Leaders encouraged visitors who did not know each other to hold hands and explore the Whitney together. 

Two students holding hands

Teens participate in In Equality. Photograph by Filip Wolak

Two students holding hands

YI Leaders paired strangers based on what they perceived as differences rather than similarities. Once Leaders joined the strangers’ hands, they instructed the pair to “enjoy the Museum.” The goal of this artwork was to make participants aware of their first impressions, reservations, enjoyments, judgements, and inhibitions. As more teens participated, this activity succeeded in breaking down awkward barriers and promoted intermingling. Here is a glimpse of the other events at the Teen Opening:

 

 

 

  • An artist presents his work to a group of teens

    Dread Scott talks about his work in the Hearst Artspace. Photograph by Filip Wolak

  • A singer performs at the Whitey

    Rahel and DonChristian of the music collective Camp & Street perform in the Susan and John Hess Family Theater. Photograph by Filip Wolak

  • Students in a photo booth

    Teens pose for selfies in a photo booth. Photograph by Filip Wolak

  • Teens gather on the Whitney terrace

    In the fifth-floor outdoor gallery, teens lounged in sculptural chairs designed by artist Mary Heilmann, made buttons, sketched, munched on snacks, and enjoyed the beautiful views. Photograph by Filip Wolak

  • The awards ceremony

    Youth Insights Leaders announce raffle prizes at the end of the evening. Photograph by Filip Wolak

Heather Maxson, Director of School, Youth, and Family Programs commented: “Teens were asked to put a dot on this map to show which neighborhood they were from. We were surprised that we had visitors from every neighborhood in New York City! The artist Dread Scott remarked that he had never seen such a diverse group of people at an art museum before."

An art project created by the students

Map that shows which neighborhood teens were from, 2015. Photograph by Filip Wolak

An art project created by the students

Maxson continued: Our YI Leaders were so proud of what they had accomplished. One teen said it was the best museum teen night ever! The teens loved seeing the new building and having the opportunity to meet famous artists, relax with their friends, and check out the new Whitney!”

 

By Dina Helal, Manager of Education Resources