WTAF MEETS NYC
New York City has always held a special place in my (KG) heart; from the countless family holidays and business trips to unforgettable milestones like my husband's proposal inside the MET. Every visit here brings new and unique experiences, whether it's enjoying a simple deli breakfast in Chelsea or discovering remarkable works of art along The High Line.
The iconic city never ceases to amaze me as it continues to evolve and reinvent itself, much like its thriving contemporary art scene. Which is why I decided that the first episode of WTAF has to be in the Big Apple. Below I’ve written down some highlights of the episode - keep reading to learn what I got up to!
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New York City Love
We've lost count of the number of times we've been to New York. From family holidays to conference visits, we've built unforgettable memories in this city. Our love for New York continues to grow as we relish its diverse food, art, and experiences. One of our favorite breakfasts is grabbing an egg and cheese from a nearby deli or bodega.
For art aficionados, there is no better place to be than in Chelsea, walking along The High Line. This elevated park, built on a former Manhattan rail line, stretches a mile and a half through Chelsea, offering a unique vantage point of the bustling streets below. The High Line is not only a walking trail, it's also a public art space, showcasing incredible works of art.
Despite the challenges brought about by the pandemic, which led to the closure of numerous galleries, New York continues to be a thriving art hub. It's home to over 80 museums across the five boroughs, along with numerous art studios and galleries, fueling our fascination for art in different mediums and styles.
While Chelsea galleries attract the more established, blue-chip art crowd, the Lower East Side appeals to those seeking a less polished, tucked-away experience. These galleries often house directors and visionaries right behind the desk, giving collectors a more personal experience in discovering new artists.
As we support the next generation of art collectors, we encourage embracing other means, such as licensed artwork on everyday items, to invest in and showcase female artists. By galvanizing young collectors to appreciate women artists, we can create meaningful, lasting change in the art world.
CHECK OUT WHAT HALL ROCKERFELLER HAS TO SAY ABOUT WOMEN ART COLLECTORS
Chelsea and The High Line
While exploring Chelsea, we had the opportunity to walk along The High Line, an elevated park, walking trail, and public art space that stretches a mile and a half through the neighborhood. The High Line is built on a former Manhattan rail line, offering a unique and impressive setting for showcasing public art.
During our visit, we came across a breathtaking piece by Jordan Castile, a talented artist living in Harlem. She draws inspiration from the streets and people in her neighborhood, capturing them in her signature fluid painting style. We were also joined by Hall Rockefeller, an art critic, women's art advocate, and founder of Less Than Half, who shared her insights about Castile and the public art on The High Line. Unfortunately, some pieces are only temporary installations, but it's part of what makes New York City a constantly evolving canvas for creativity.
The High Line is also surrounded by beautiful and innovative architecture. We marveled at the Lantern House, which looks like gemstones, offering a touch of luxury to the area. We also appreciated the presence of a Zaha Hadid building, a testament to the impact of successful female architects.
Our visit to the High Line led to a discussion about the importance of supporting and investing in women artists. By encouraging a new generation of art collectors to invest in women artists, we can not only help them make a living but also bring about change within the art world. It is our hope that, by taking steps to provide visibility, education, and resources, we can transform the landscape of the art world and create a more inclusive future for all artists.
the new art collector will dispel the notion of a “starving artist”
Contemporary Art Scene
Meeting Hall Rockefeller
During our visit to The High Line, we had the pleasure of being accompanied by Hall Rockefeller, an art critic, women's art advocate, and founder of Less Than Half. Not only did she share vital information about the art installations and the artists whose work is currently being showcased there, but she also highlighted the importance of supporting women artists.
Hall explained how Jordan Castile, a young New York artist whose work was displayed on The High Line, takes her inspiration from the streets of Harlem. She photographs people from the neighborhood and turns their likenesses into impressive, fluid portraits. Rockefeller also informed us about The High Line's curator, Cecilia Alemani, who is responsible for the Venice Biennale this year, and the incredible talents she brings to the table.
Hall Rockefeller Rapid Fire Questions!
Women in Art
As Hall spoke about the importance of supporting women artists and helping them financially through the pandemic, it became clear that there is still work to be done in achieving gender equality in the art world. Sadly, only two of the public works on The High Line were created by women. The effort to change this status quo begins with organizations and institutions that can actively challenge these norms and encourage diversity in the art world.
To help build the next generation of art collectors, Hall has launched a series of courses and one-on-one consultations that are designed to teach young women how to collect women artist's works. She expressed her hope in galvanizing a generation of women collectors who, in turn, will have an enormous impact not only on artists' livelihood but on the art world as a whole.
Embracing contemporary methods of connecting with younger audiences, such as using licensed artwork on fashion items, can bring more attention to deserving women artists. By promoting transparency around how these artists are paid and supported, we can ensure the art world becomes a more inclusive and equitable space for everyone.
Visiting Galleries
During our walk through Chelsea, we discussed the incredible transformation of the High Line, an elevated park, walking trail, and public art space built on a former Manhattan rail line. As we admired the artwork and architecture, we were joined by Hall Rockefeller, an art critic, women's art advocate, and founder of Less Than Half. She shared her insights on the artists and the art scene in New York City, from established galleries in Chelsea to more hidden gems in the Lower East Side.
Before the pandemic, there were around 1,500 galleries in the city. Unfortunately, the number has dropped to around 1,000 due to the shutdown's impact. Despite this, New York remains an art lover's paradise, with more than 80 museums across the five boroughs, countless working artist studios, and an ever-evolving art scene.
While exploring, we stumbled upon Jordan Castile's captivating piece on the High Line. Rockefeller shared some background on Castile, a Harlem-based artist who takes inspiration from the streets of her neighborhood. With a fluid painting style, she successfully captures the individual character of people she encounters.
The High Line itself has its own curator, Cecilia Alemani, who handpicks high-profile artists for the space. In the past, renowned artists like Lorna Simpson and Zaha Hadid have contributed works to the High Line, showcasing an impressive range of artistic talent.
As we ventured through Chelsea, we noted the stark difference between the bigger, more established galleries and the smaller, hidden ones on the Lower East Side. The smaller galleries definitely have a more personal, intimate feel – often, you can meet the gallery directors and get a real sense of their artistic vision.
Hall also mentioned how Instagram plays a role in discovering new artists and connecting with art enthusiasts. The growing platform allows for a wider reach and enables more exposure for women artists who have historically been underrepresented in the art world. With a push for change and a focus on supporting female artists, art collectors of the next generation can play a pivotal role in making the art world more equitable and inclusive.
CHECK OUT THE HIGHLINE
Hall's Initiatives
During the pandemic, we embarked on a series of projects and initiatives aimed at supporting women artists. We interviewed artists from across the country and launched the Less Than Half Salon, which brought together women artists and enthusiasts alike.
In addition to these gatherings, we introduced courses and one-on-one diagnostics designed to educate young women on collecting women's art. Our goal is to help build the next generation of art collectors who appreciate and invest in the work of talented female artists.
By teaching the principles behind investing in these artists, we ensure transparency around how they get paid and how they are supported. We also discuss the significance of their work and what it represents. This way, we can be sure that by supporting these artists, we are making a real impact on their lives.
As we move forward, we aim to galvanize a generation of young women to start collecting women artists' works. The potential impact on the art world would be enormous, not only for the artists who can make a living but also for the broader community as it becomes clearer that there is a demand for their work.
Immigrant Artists in New York City
Building the Next Generation of Art Collectors
As we continue to advocate for women in the art world, we recognize the importance of building a new generation of art collectors, particularly those that focus on supporting and purchasing art created by women. By shifting the mindset of young art enthusiasts towards recognizing the significance of women artists, we can begin to dismantle the structures that perpetuate inequality in the art industry.
One of the initiatives we have launched to achieve this goal is the Less Than Half Salon. This gathering brings together women artists and individuals interested in supporting their work. By creating a space where people can interact, learn, and appreciate art by women, we are fostering the growth of a community committed to driving change in the art world.
In addition to the Salon, we have also introduced courses and one-on-one diagnostics designed to educate young women on how to collect and invest in art made by women. These educational tools aim to equip future art collectors with the knowledge and understanding necessary to make informed decisions when purchasing art, as well as instilling in them an appreciation for the significance of supporting women artists.
Embracing unconventional methods, such as partnering with popular brands or using digital platforms, can help raise awareness for women in art and teach the principles behind investing in their work. Ensuring transparency in the process, from licensing artwork to compensating artists fairly, is essential in creating a culture of genuine support and advocacy for women in art.
If we can galvanize a generation of young women to start collecting art by women artists, the impact on the art world would be substantial. Not only would this afford women artists the ability to make a living from their work, but it would also send a clear message to the industry as a whole that there is a demand for their art. This, in turn, would encourage institutions and galleries to give women artists the visibility and support they deserve.
Impact on the Art World
As we walked the High Line, we discussed how the nature of New York City is constantly changing and adapting. Art is a huge part of this dynamic city, with over 1,000 galleries and 80 museums spread across the five boroughs. We had the opportunity to have an insightful conversation with Hall Rockefeller, an art critic, women's art advocate, and founder of Less Than Half. Through her various initiatives, she aims to support women in the art world and educate the next generation of art collectors.
We noticed that there's still a lack of representation for women artists in public spaces, with only two of the public works along the High Line being created by women. Many organizations are working to challenge these norms and change the status quo, which is fundamentally important to the growth and inclusivity of the art world. When artists and collectors work together to break down these barriers, the impact on the art community as a whole is enormous.
While exploring Chelsea Market, we discussed the concept of building a new generation of art collectors, specifically focusing on collections that support women artists. Our approach is centered on transparency in the artist's compensation and support. We believe that if we can galvanize a generation of young women towards investing in and collecting works by women artists, the ripple effect will be highly significant for the entire art world.
By increasing demand and nurturing an understanding of the significance and value of women artists, we can revolutionize the way all aspects of the art world function. From galleries and dealers to collectors and educators, shifting the focus towards supporting these underrepresented artists will ultimately lead to a richer, more diverse, and inclusive artistic landscape for future generations to inherit.
WOW! That’s a lot that we covered in this episode. Why don’t you swing on over to YouTube and check it out?
