S P OT L I G H T NEW YORK ART SCENE
The Apple of our eye (Excuse the pun), New York City has the power to shock, amaze, and most importantly inspire creativity amongst its inhabitants and visitors.
We’ve taken a look at what makes this city tick on the underground scene, from up-and-coming galleries, hidden cocktail bars, and secret spots where art forms define the streets. So take a look at our guide as we unravel the layers to this fascinating city‌
A G U I D E TO N YC GA L L E R I E S New York City has it all, bright lights, hustle and bustle, fashion, fun and a thriving arts scene that rivals none. Here are some of the galleries that in our opinion (and the opinion of the in-theknow New Yorkers) you shouldn’t miss.
ALLEGRA LAVIOLA GALLERY Emphasising the importance of a broad artistic perspective, Allegra LaViola plays host to both painting and conceptual artwork. Well known among the NY art crowd for its engaging installations and performance series, this little gallery offers up a vibrant slice of the New York art scene. 179 East Broadway, NY 10002 Tel: 917 463 3901 Open: Wednesday to Saturday 12 – 6pm, Sunday 1 – 6pm and by appointment
EYEBEAM Combining art and technology, Eyebeam is probably the city’s most high-tech exhibition space. Hosting lectures, participatory workshops and live performances, as well as free exhibitions, this Chelsea gallery-come-lab encourages experimentation across an incredibly broad spectrum of media. 540 W 21st St, NY 10011 Tel: (212) 937 6580 Open: Tuesday – Saturday, 12 – 6pm
KATE WERBLE GALLERY Young gallerist Kate Werble has attracted a fair amount of attention over the last few years; collecting together some of the city’s most inventive up-and-coming artists and winning the top curatorial spot in the New Art Dealers Alliance show in Miami. Opened in 2008 in West Soho, this is one of our favourite paces to see fantastic conceptual work. 83 Vandam Street, NY 10013 TEL: (212) 352-9700 Open: Tuesday to Saturday 11am – 6pm
LU MAGNUS Founded by Amelia Abdullahsani and Lauren Scott Miller, Lu Magnus was created as an “art laboratory” with an emphasis on cross-collaborations between both different mediums of art as well as the artists themselves. Fusing fine art, film, music, dance, fashion and food, the exhibitions here are a five sensory affair. 55 Hester Street, NY 10002 Tel: (212) 677 6555 Open: Wednesday to Sunday 12 – 6pm and by appointment
MARLBOROUGH CHELSEA With around 10,000 square feet of space set over two floors, an outdoor sculpture terrace, soaring ceilings and plenty of natural light, the Malborough Chelsea boasts one of New York City’s best exhibition spaces. Showing a broad range of contemporary artwork, from largescale sculpture to innovative artwork and photography, the Chelsea branch of this gallery chain is well worth a visit. 545 West 25th Street (1st and 2nd floors), NY 10001 Tel: (212) 463 8634 Open: Tuesday to Saturday 10.30am – 5.30pm
THE FLAG FOUNDATION
MOMA PS1
Up on the 9th and 10th floors of the Chelsea Arts Tower, The Flag Foundation is a sleek modern exhibition space for professionally curated contemporary art. Showing a mixture of established and emerging artists, this is a great place to immerse yourself in thought provoking and engaging work.
Housed in a large Neo-Romanesque building in Long Island City, MoMA PS1 is widely recognised as one of New York’s most progressive and experimental art galleries. Seeing itself as a catalyst for discussion and debate, MoMA PS1 is always on the lookout for new artists, genres and projects to exhibit. Expect to see adventurous artworks hidden around every corner of the museum.
545 West 25th Street (9th floor), NY 10001 Tel: (212) 206 0220 Open: Wednesday to Saturday 11am – 5pm
22-25 Jackson Ave. at the intersection of 46th Ave. Long Island City, NY 11101 Tel: (718) 784 2084 Open: Thursday – Monday 12 – 6pm, closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays
PUBLIC ART
THE HIGH LINE Now one of New York’s most iconic landmarks, The High Line is a public park built on a disused railway line that runs above the streets of Manhattan, from the Meatpacking District right though to Chelsea. Opened in 2009, The High Line displays an incredibly broad range of pieces from big name artists, as well as emerging talent. In 2012 alone visitors to the park can expect to find a giant billboard featuring a commissioned piece by David Shrigley, a series of storage containers transformed into a dramatic installation by Charles Mary Kubricht and a moving sound installation called “Digital Empathy” by Julianne Swartz where messages of concern, support, love, and the occasional bit of poetry, will be transmitted through a number of bathrooms, sinks and water features across the park.
5POINTZ: THE INSTITUTE OF HIGHER BURNIN’ Controversial though it may be, 5Pointz is a Mecca for graffiti artists all over the globe. Spread across the walls of a 200,000 square foot factory turned outdoor exhibition space in Queens, the artwork on display here is orchestrated, and of course, curated, by graffiti god Jonathan Cohen – otherwise known as “Meres One”. Pioneer of the aerosol art scene, Cohen aims eventually to turn 5Pointz into a graffiti art museum, complete with training school for aspiring artists. For the moment though, 5Pointz remains the much loved hub of well known artists, musicians, filmmakers and photographers…who can all be found hanging out amongst the colourful murals most days of the week.
From site-specific installations right through to audio, film and performance pieces, Public Art is something that infiltrates our everyday lives; whether we actively search for it, or not. Fused into the urban landscape of New York, the works we encounter whilst walking though the city streets are often every bit as influential as those you might find in the Met or the MoMA. Whether wandering amidst the graffiti covered walls of dilapidated warehouses, or ambling through perfectly preened parks sprinkled liberally with sculptural artworks, the pieces we encounter force us to view our environment from a new perspective…and, best of all, they’re accessible to everyone.
THE WATER TANK PROJECT AND THE DELANCEY UNDERGROUND Looking to the future,New York has some pretty exciting public art projects on the horizon. From high up in the city skyline, to deep underneath the streets, get set to experience an exciting array of public pieces. Scheduled for 12 weeks during the spring/summer of 2013, The Water Tank Project will see approximately 300 of New York’s water tanks transformed into eye-catching artworks set into the cityscape. Masterminded by the nonprofit organisation “Word Above the Street”, this city-wide exhibition will feature a variety of prominent artists and is designed to raise awareness about the global water supply, as well as encourage New Yorkers to embrace a more sustainable way of life.
VIN TAG E H UNT I N G I N N YC We love vintage. Who doesn’t? From ball gowns to cowboy boots, costume jewellery to period furniture, thrift shopping is the creative’s sport of choice; an opportunity to exercise the artistic eye…or at least that’s our excuse and we’re sticking to it. Thankfully, NYC is a vintage shopper’s paradise with flea markets and second-hand boutiques a plenty. With summer upon us, this is the perfect time to take to the stalls.
5POINTZ: THE INSTITUTE OF HIGHER BURNIN’ Housed in the 40,000 square foot schoolyard of Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School, Fort Greene blends old-fashioned flea market and new-age bazaar to create an eclectic array of attractions. Featuring around 150 vendors offering up everything from antique furniture to clothes, jewellery and vinyl, it’s no surprise that this is where the New York cool kids hang out. After sourcing yourself some vintage swag, re-fuel with a sugary treat from the Kumquat Cupcakery, or if the weather’s good, a handmade ice pop (that’s “ice lolly” to us Brits) from People’s Pops.
DEKALB MARKET Set in a series of salvaged shipping containers spread over an entire block in Downtown Brooklyn, Dekalb market is to New York what Boxpark is to London…although if we’re being completely honest, a whole lot better. With over 60 food, clothes and accessories stalls, as well as performances areas, exhibition spaces and an incubator farm (well why not?), this little patch of land is packed with culture hungry shoppers. And better yet, this is not just a daytime affair with a whole programme events being showcased here over the summer. Head down for dance parties, roller derbies, live music and more.
WEST 25TH STREET MARKET Showcasing Manhattan’s quirky alter ego, West 25th Street Market offers a rare glimpse into the past; before the flea market movement relocated to Brooklyn. Open at weekends all year round, this is a great place to pick up a vintage fur or antique coffee table. There are smaller items on offer too including boxes full of pocket-size collectibles and memorabilia you never knew you needed. Prices start off pretty high so be prepared to haggle for your purchases. It doesn’t get more retro than that.
THE U LT I M AT E T R I P TO NYC CHELSEA TAKEOVER The Big Apple, the land of opportunity and fast paced fun. When we think of the ultimate city break we picture meandering down the streets of Manhattan laden with designer and vintage shopping bags, getting dressed up to the nines and hitting the cities club scene, or strolling through central park surrounded by a concrete jungle full of adventure. Our trips are designed to make you see the city through the eyes of a local and really get to know what life is really like in the city that never sleeps.
When to go: All year round Price:
From £1,659 PP from the UK. From $2,699 pp from L.A.
ideal length: 4 nights flight time:
8 hrs from London. 5 hrs 45 mins from L.A.
We also quote in other currencies and based on other aiport departures, contact us for more details.
From the airport, hop into an awaiting private car and speed off to your stylish Chelsea botlhole, Hotel Americano. Set right in the heart of West Manhattan, this Mexican inspired hotel is the perfect spot the take it easy after your journey. The following morning hit the streets to explore a few galleries, make sure to try one of the hotels Bento-boxes, where snacks are delivered to your room in pocket sized boxes to tantalize your tastebuds. Once refulled, set off on a city walk, we recommend stopping by The High Line just round the corner from your hotel. Here you’ll find an elevated public park once a historic freight rail line, where you can awe at unique art pieces and sculptured landscapes. To get a quick culture fix take some time to peruse the Flag Foundation gallery as well as the weird and wonderful Eyebeam. If sun-downers by the pool sounds like your kind of thing then head up to the Americano’s stunning roof-top pool where you can sip away on a latino inspired creation before slinking off to dinner.
UP TOWN After you surface the following morning, head downstairs for some breakfast at the hotel restaurant, before setting off on a local gallery walk. After getting your culture fix, head off to the upmarket boutiques of Madison and Fifth Avenues and immerse yourself in designer shopping heaven. When you’ve inevitably amassed more bags than initially intended, head back to your hotel for a quick freshen up before setting off again – this time catching a show in one of Broadway’s famous theatres.
WILLIAMSBURG WANDERING Once you’ve discovered the delights of Chelsea, head to across the river to the edgy metropolis of Brooklyn. You’ll hole up at the gorgeous King and Grove Hotel Williamsburg, home to the eagerly awaited rooftop cocktail bar. For the next two nights you’re in the heart of New York’s trend-setting art district, where a foodie and bar hopping culture is king thanks to resident cultural mix of Latino, Jews, and Europeans. Once you’ve spent some time exploring the streets, head to Sweetwater, a bar come eatery that packs some serious punch. Once fed and sweetwatered head across the Williamsburg Bridge for a hedonistic New York night at PainKiller Bar, a favourite hangout for locals. After a night on the town we recommend hitting Brooklyn’s famous flea markets where you can pick up a few trinkets and local delicacies to take home.
WH E RE TO R E ST YO UR H E A D These New York City boltholes embody all the excitement, diversity and quirkiness this city has to offer. From five star restaurants and in room service to outdoor rooftop pools from which you can look over the famous Manhattan skyline, you’ll want to stay forever.
KING AND GROVE This boutique hotel is right in the heart of the uber-edgy Williamsburg district in Brooklyn, where the art scene is on the up and the history still remains. The exterior is every bit 1950s art deco and its 64 rooms manage to be both cosy and spacious. Its rooftop pool is one of the largest outdoor swimming pools in New York and is surrounded by ample decking for cocktails and dining, making it the hot ticket in summer.
LOCATION
WHY WE LIKE IT
Just one subway stop from Manhattan, the King and Grove overlooks McCarren Park. It is within easy reach of both JFK and La Guardia and a mere 10 minutes walk from the north Brooklyn ferry stop if coming over from Manhattan.
We feel like we’re in on a secret at the King and Grove in Williamsburg. One of the most stylish gems in the neighbourhood and rubbing shoulders with the fashionable locals makes us forget we’re tourists. Initially the neighbourhood housed a residency of Latino, Hasidic Jews and Poles meaning the gastronomy is truly international. More recently the overspill from New York’s Lower East side has brought with it an influx of arty types and musicians, meaning there’s a gig in every bar and stalls decorate the sidewalk selling handmade trinkets.
YOUR ROOM With the range of choices from a standard double to the penthouse suite, you’ll definitely find something that suits your needs. With bamboo flooring, oak cabinetry and marble bathrooms these rooms feel like a natural escape in a bustling city.
THE HOTEL AMERICANO Grupo Habita’s first hotel north of the Mexican border, the Americano is every bit as stylish as its southern sisters. The group’s hotels attract the elite of the social conscious, whether local or traveller. Architect Enrique Norten made sure he designed a building you couldn’t miss, with a perforated metal screen enveloping its front and the interior design is chic and contemporary.
LOCATION
WHY WE LIKE IT
Located in New York’s Chelsea in West Manhattan it is close to the action. Chelsea’s district is known for its booming art scene and has numerous galleries and loft exhibitions. Its social diversity means funky ethnic shops, markets and restaurants and there are a growing number of popular designer stores being introduced to the area.
It’s the little things at the Hotel Americano; the room service is ordered on ipads and delivered in bento boxes, the restaurant has an outdoor patio and rooftop grill, serving French Latino cuisine. The rooftop swimming pool has a lounging area with a cocktail and “para picar” service. There are soft washed denim bathrobes in the rooms designed by Loden Dager and the hotel offers guest bicycles to explore this diverse city.
YOUR ROOM With three rooms catagories to choose from, the hotel keeps it simple, but by no means does that mean boring. The rooms are stylish urban ryokans, simplistic in their Japanese appearance, complete with wooden sleeping pods and light natural materials. Some have soaking tubs and hanging fireplaces and all are equipped with in room ipads.