“Top Six Must-See Shows in New York City This Holiday Season”

**Exploring New York City’s Vibrant Art Exhibitions: A Guide to Creativity and Culture**

New York City, renowned for its cultural dynamism and artistic vibrancy, is always brimming with captivating art exhibitions. Whether you’re a seasoned art enthusiast or someone looking to take a break from the holiday hustle, the city’s art scene offers an enriching escape. Here’s a curated guide to notable exhibitions currently on display, showcasing diverse perspectives, creative brilliance, and emotional depth.

### **1. Deshaun Price at 15 Orient**
**Location:** 72 Walker Street, 3rd Floor, Tribeca
**Exhibition Dates:** Through January 4, 2025

Deshaun Price’s intimate portraits, which blur the line between solitude and togetherness, find a welcoming stage at the newly established Tribeca site of 15 Orient. Both the gallery and the artworks exhibit a sense of incompleteness that resonates deeply, inviting viewers into a nuanced dialogue between distance and proximity. Price’s understated yet evocative compositions raise profound questions about our place in the world—the kind of reflection best savored during quiet moments this holiday season.

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### **2. Thomas Schütte at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)**
**Location:** 11 West 53rd Street, Midtown
**Exhibition Dates:** Through January 18, 2025

Thomas Schütte’s sculptures inject humor into traditional artistic forms, creating an engaging blend of academic seriousness and approachable wit. The artist’s intriguing “Melonely” series (1986), which cleverly merges the themes of melancholy and watermelons, stands as a prime example of his playfulness and subtle social commentary. With myriad layers and historical references, this retrospective promises thought-provoking revelations for visitors ready to explore its complexities.

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### **3. Alexandra Exter: The Stage Is a World at The Ukrainian Museum**
**Location:** 222 East 6th Street, East Village
**Exhibition Dates:** Through January 19, 2025

Ukrainian avant-garde artist Alexandra Exter brought innovation into both fine art and theater, and “The Stage Is a World” celebrates her multifaceted genius. With over 30 works ranging from costume designs and paintings to film installations, the exhibition highlights her seamless integration of Cubist, Futurist, and Constructivist aesthetics. Standout pieces like “Masked Figures by the Banks of a Venetian Canal” immerse viewers in surreal atmospheres where vibrant colors and theatrical forms intersect. This show is a tribute to a trailblazer whose legacy deserves wider recognition.

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### **4. Vital Signs: Artists and the Body at MoMA**
**Location:** 11 West 53rd Street, Midtown
**Exhibition Dates:** Through February 22, 2025

This cerebral exhibition delves into how artists conceptualize the human body, moving beyond the spectacle to uncover deeper social and emotional connections. Works like Rosemary Mayer’s “Galla Placidia” honor marginalized histories, while Ted Joans’s collaborative exquisite corpse invites reflection on unity and individuality. With its intellectually stimulating take on corporeality, “Vital Signs” is a standout show for anyone curious about the interplay of art, identity, and existence.

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### **5. Ceremonies Out of the Air: Ralph Lemon at MoMA PS1**
**Location:** 22-25 Jackson Avenue, Long Island City, Queens
**Exhibition Dates:** Through March 24, 2025

Renowned choreographer Ralph Lemon pushes boundaries in this multidisciplinary exploration of movement and memory. Highlighted by a four-channel video installation co-created with Kevin Beasley and complemented by dense drawings and experimental sculptures, the exhibit invites audiences on a visceral journey. A six-performance series amplifies the emotional resonance, making Lemon’s retrospective a deeply immersive experience where dance and visual art collide with purpose and innovation.

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### **6. Above Ground: Art from the Martin Wong Graffiti Collection at the Museum of the City of New York**
**Location:** 1220 Fifth Avenue, East Harlem
**Exhibition Dates:** Through August 10, 2025

Martin Wong was not just a contemporary artist but also an early champion of graffiti as a legitimate art form. This exhibition features his thoughtful collection of graffiti, with works from trailblazers like Rammellzee, Lee Quiñones, Lady Pink, and Futura 2000. Instilled with energy and rebellion, the pieces capture the raw authenticity of street art as envisioned through Wong’s discerning artistic lens.

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### **Revitalize Through Art**
Amid the chaos of daily life, these exhibitions serve as havens for creativity and reflection. Whether you’re drawn to Deshaun Price’s contemplative landscapes, Alexandra Exter’s experimental vision, or Ralph Lemon’s spellbinding performances, the city abounds with opportunities to engage with art on a profoundly personal level. Don’t miss the chance to explore these cultural treasures and