Christopher Wool’s exhibition “See Stop Run” is very cool for the art, but also for the location. Wool is an incredible contemporary abstract artist, probably known best for his large canvases with text:
This exhibition includes more abstract work (paintings, sculptures, a mosaic), alongside some of his photography. What makes it more interesting is that it’s located in an office building, on a floor that looks like it’s halfway through a gut renovation. Visitors walk around half painted walls and on uneven, unfinished floors. You can see out the windows that you’re in the middle of an office-heavy area in the Financial District.
Seeing Wool’s art in this context adds something to it. You see his abstract sculptures alongside construction workers’ doodles on the walls. His art really works well in this space.
The spaces where we see art
The space in which we view art impacts our understanding, appreciation, and reaction. This is something to consider when you visit any museum. Nothing about the location of an artwork is neutral. Someone has decided the lighting, the room, the height at which it’s hung, what other objects are nearby, what color the walls are, etc., etc., etc.
This also comes up a lot in the context of who is involved in leadership, where funding comes from (for example, the Sackler family), how the collection is acquired (for example, the Elgin Marbles), and it’s valuable to have a better understanding of our institutions backgrounds and motivations when we visit them. Even in the case of See Stop Run at 101 Greenwich - the building and artist had to negotiate his using their space from a financial perspective. It has an impact on the exhibition.
See Stop Run closes at the end of July. It’s on the 19th floor of 101 Greenwich in FiDi.
More:
See Stop Run exhibition website
Curbed article on the exhibition, specifically how they found and retained the space
It’s like a 5-10 minute walk from Manhatta, an awesome spot for a cocktail with a great view!!!
Essay on the neutrality of museums