Curator and activist Mashonda Tifrere impressively began collecting art at 18-years-old, advocating for contemporary artists while evolving her mesmeric career as both a singer and songwriter. Establishing the trailblazing organization ArtLeadHer in 2016, Tifrere has become a guiding light for women in the arts, carving much-needed space in the international creative landscape for equitable opportunities. Whitewall caught up with the visionary during a buzzing week of New York openings to speak about the shows she is most looking forward to experiencing this month, as well as a prime locale for uplifting refreshment.
Portrait courtesy of Mashonda Tifrere.
WHITEWALL: What are you looking forward to in New York in September during the fairs?
MASHONDA TIFRERE: I am curating an all-women group show at the Diane Von Furstenberg gallery space this October. In the lead-up to the exhibition, I am looking forward to visiting the studios of some of the talented artists involved to preview the new works. Among those I will be visiting are Anoushka Mirchandani, Sophie Khan, Brea Anderson, and Annette Hur.
WW: What do you have your eye on at the fairs?
MT: An exceptionally talented multimedia artist Kandy G Lopez will have a solo booth at the Armory with ACA Gallery. I am looking forward to experiencing her new work.
WW: What are the exhibitions on your must-see list?
WW: “Mami Wata: The Story of Migration, Religion, and Identity”, a solo exhibition by Lewinale Havette, curated by Cierra Briton at Palo Gallery.
The “Brooklyn Artists Exhibition” at The Brooklyn Museum—October 4th. Uniting more than 200 artists, this major group show highlights the remarkable creativity and diversity of Brooklyn’s populace. The exhibition kicks off our 200th anniversary celebration and carries on the Brooklyn Museum’s tradition of amplifying voices from every corner of our community. — Source
The “Stars are Aligned/The Time is Now.” A group exhibition curated by Derrick Adams at The Bishop Gallery opening September 8th.
Top New York Spot for Bites and Drinks
WW: Where are you go-to places to grab a bite or drink after the fairs/opening?
MT: I’ll definitely be going to Tatiana by Kwame Onwuachi for the braised oxtails and a glass of South Africa’s finest, IBest red wine.
The Best of New York According to Mashonda Tifrere
1. Explore the Momentous 30th Anniversary Edition of The Armory Show in New York
Installation view of The Armory Show 2023, courtesy of The Armory Show.
On September 5 in New York, the 30th-anniversary edition of The Armory Show awakened the fall art season in the city, on view through September 8 at the Javits Center. More than 235 galleries hailing from 35 countries will gather in New York, situated in the enveloping categories of Galleries, Focus, Solo, and Presents. Newly part of the distinguished Frieze organization, the fair will unveil Armory Spotlight and the winner of the Gramercy International Prize.
2. Voyage through “The Brooklyn Artists Exhibition” at The Brooklyn Museum
Loren Munk, “Colliding Timelines of the Pictures Generation,” 2014-2019, oil on linen; © Loren Munk, courtesy of the artist and The Brooklyn Museum.
Spotlighting artists who have lived or maintained a studio in Brooklyn during the last five years (2019–24), The Brooklyn Artists Exhibition honors the borough’s dynamic present, storied past, and bright future. Selected by a committee led by esteemed artists Jeffrey Gibson, Vik Muniz, Mickalene Thomas, and Fred Tomaselli, participants represent a full range of disciplines, from drawing and painting to sculpture, video, installation, and beyond. Their creations tackle themes that resonate on both local and global levels—migration and memory, identity and history, uncertainty and turbulence, healing and joy. Together these works capture the vibrancy of both Brooklyn and its artists, who are bound by deep-rooted connections and a shared love of this singular place. — Source
3. Embark Upon Artist Lewinale Havette’s Vibrant Solo Exhibition at PALO Gallery
Lewinale Havette, “Tell him you love me,” courtesy of the artist and PALO Gallery.
PALO Gallery is pleased to present Mami Wata: The Story of Migration, Religion, and Identity, a solo exhibition of recent paintings by Lewinale Havette, curated in partnership with Cierra Britton Gallery. In her inaugural solo exhibition in New York City, Havette delves into the intricate interplay between African spirituality, migration, and the quest for female identity amid displacement. Mami Wata: The Story of Migration, Lost Religion, and Female Identity opens September 4 at PALO Gallery’s flagship location, 30 Bond St. — Source
4. Visit Must-See Group Show “The Stars are Aligned/The Time is Now” at The Bishop Gallery
Destiny Branay, “In There Somewhere,” 2021, oil on canvas, 36 x 48 inches, © Destiny Branay.
The Bishop Gallery, in collaboration with Richard Beavers Gallery is pleased to announce the opening of “The Stars Are Aligned/ The Time is Now”, a group exhibition curated by visual artist Derrick Adams. Opening September 7th and 8th, from 6-9pm and 4-7pm, Adams brings together a selection of artists living and working in Baltimore City. Artists include, Ro Vision, Charles Mason III, Murjoni Weariweather, Kim Rice, Jeffrey Kent, Nicholas Wisniewski, Destiny Branay, Brandon Hill, Ernest Shaw and Amy Boone-Mcreesh. — Source
5. Relish in Kwame Onwuachi’s Ever-Inspiring Tatiana Restaurant
Tatiana Restaurant, designed by Modellus Novus, Photo by Adrian Gaut,
Courtesy of Lincoln Center and Modellus Novus.
This is my love letter to New York. Written with the flavors, aromas and textures of my childhood, inspired by my culinary muse (and beloved sister) Tatiana. Kwame’s big sister looked after him while their mother worked as a chef in New York City. As the loving caretaker of his early food-wishes and dreams, Tatiana serves as the inspiration for this restaurant, and will forever hold a special place in Kwame’s heart. — Source
