From the Village to the High Line: Views of Art and Artists in Downtown Manhattan

The Standard, High Line, Garden Rooms, 69 Little West 12th Street, between Washington Street and Tenth Avenue

Contemporaries, Friend, Patron, Circle, Fellow, and Sponsor-level members

The Whitney began commissioning artist projects on the site of the new building in 2010, but even at that time, the Museum was building on a long history of artists living and working in—and migrating between—the various historic neighborhoods of downtown Manhattan. Beginning with the Whitney’s first location on 8th Street, this talk will trace a few threads within this rich and complex narrative, providing a distinctive lens for exploring artists and artworks of the past and present.

Edward Hopper used his personal experience of living and working in Greenwich Village and his observations of downtown New York as the source material for some of his most iconic images. Later in the century, postwar artists such as Vito Acconci, Gordon Matta-Clark, and Peter Hujar were drawn to the Hudson River piers, creating artwork that explored the physical edge of the city while simultaneously challenging personal boundaries and social norms. Artists throughout the twentieth century and into the present day have continually engaged with the physical environment of downtown New York. Abandoned industrial spaces turned artist lofts, popular cafes, public parks, and even the large billboards looming over the city’s avenues have served as the sites of artistic ferment and innovation.

February 21
11 am, 1 pm, 3 pm

Open to Contemporaries members and members at the Friend level and higher. Become a member or upgrade your membership by calling (212) 570-3641. Please note: this event takes place at The Standard, High Line, Garden Rooms, 69 Little West 12th Street, between Washington Street and Tenth Avenue