Out now, to guide you through the week’s busy art fair, is Whitewaller New York. Below, we share our selection of must-attend events taking place for the festive occasion.
Frieze New York VIP Preview
Frieze New York will host an invitation-only VIP preview on Thursday, May 4, on Randall’s Island Park. Weather permitting, the Frieze Ferry is a fun and fast way to get to the fair tent, enjoying views of the city from the East River. The opening event, in addition to offering collectors, patrons, and art world professionals a first look at the top-notch offerings from 201 galleries, also gives guests an early experience of the site-specific Frieze Projects series, curated by Cecilia Alemani.
Viewing of the New Museum’s Spring Exhibitions
Enjoy an evening viewing of the New Museum’s three stellar newly opened spring shows: “Carol Rama: Antibodies,” “Kaari Upson: Good thing you are not alone,” and “Lynette Yiadom-Boakye: Under-Song for a Cipher.”
Creative Time 2017 Gala
This year’s Creative Time Gala will honor Opening Ceremony founders Humberto Leon and Carol Lim. Taking place at City Point in Brooklyn, the event marks the debut of Pledges of Allegiance—a collaboration between the organization, the fashion brand, Alix Browne, Cian Browne, and Fabienne Stephan. The project asks artists to create flags that represent an impassioned cause or issue, to be flown around New York.
Two-Year Anniversary of The Cultivist
The Cultivist will celebrate its two-year anniversary with a party during the week of Frieze New York. The theme for the evening is “Fun & Games,” and will feel like a black-tie house party for its members. Traditional party games like Scrabble and Pictionary—with a twist, of course—will be led by several contemporary artists.
Private Viewing of “Louise Lawler: WHY PICTURES NOW” at MoMA
Frieze New York fair-goers and those in town for the week will get a chance to partake in a private viewing of Louise Lawler’s 40-year survey at MoMA. Guests should be sure not to miss the exhibition’s witty companion piece, her sound work Birdcalls (1972–81), in the museum’s outdoor sculpture garden.
Private Viewing of “Lygia Pape: A Multitude of Forms” and “Marisa Merz: The Sky Is a Great Space” at The Met Breuer
The Met Breuer has become one of the pinnacles of New York’s contemporary art community. This spring, they are showing the work of two groundbreaking female artists, Lygia Pape and Marisa Merz.
Opening of Roxy Paine at Paul Kasmin Gallery
Don’t miss the opening night of Roxy Paine’s new exhibition at Paul Kasmin Gallery. The show takes place over two locations and includes both his well-received and wonderful dioramas, as well as a new group of “Dendroids.”
Opening of DNA10 at Friedman Benda
Friedman Benda gallery is ready to celebrate 10 years of exhibitions with “DNA10.” On view will be a variety of objects and installations from a diverse group of designers responsible for changing the way that contemporary design is seen, understood, and lived with.
Socrates Sculpture Park’s Nari Ward Frieze Reception
Socrates Sculpture Park will host a VIP reception during Frieze New York to celebrate the opening of “Nari Ward: G.O.A.T., again,” the Park’s first-ever solo show across its five-acre waterfront landscape. The artist has created all-new outdoor work that is installed throughout the park, including APOLLO/POLL, a 30-foot LED tower at water’s edge and visible from the Frieze Ferry.
Private Viewing of the Whitney Biennial 2017
The 2017 Whitney Biennial is a triumph. Well-received critically when it opened in March, the 78th installment of the longest-running survey of American art is co-curated by Mia Locks and Christopher Y. Lew. This is a chance to see it again or for the first time, taking in all 63 artists and collectives.
Upper East Side & Harlem Gallery Morning
Nothing beats a Saturday morning in the spring on the Upper East Side. Upper East Side and Harlem galleries are specially open this morning for those in town for the fair. Grab a to-go cup of Sant Ambroeus’s incomparable cappuccino and get going.
Chelsea Gallery Night
Tonight galleries in the biggest neighborhood for gallery-going in New York will stay open late tonight for Frieze attendees. You won’t want to miss the spring exhibition offerings from these spaces on the West Side, with no shortage of spots nearby to grab a late drink or bite afterward.