“7 Must-See NYC Shows and a Rich Collection of Online Art to Explore Today”

**Exploring Art and Culture: A Glimpse into New York City’s Dynamic Exhibitions**

New York City’s art scene is a kaleidoscope of creativity, showcasing diverse perspectives, artistry, and storytelling. Whether you’re looking to beat winter blues or delve deep into thought-provoking narratives, the city’s museums and galleries offer captivating exhibitions to satisfy any artistic curiosity. Here’s an overview of some must-visit exhibits and online showcases to explore in the coming weeks.

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### **Esther Mahlangu: Time in Color**
**Where**: Ross + Kramer Gallery, Chelsea, Manhattan
**Dates**: Through January 25

Esther Mahlangu, a globally recognized South African artist and cultural ambassador of the Ndebele tribe, showcases over a decade of artwork in *Time in Color*. Renowned for her use of the sacred geometries of her community, Mahlangu combines vibrant forms and patterns to craft narratives that remain enigmatic yet universal. The exhibition features 30 astonishing paintings, alongside a fully hand-painted art car. Since her debut at the *Magiciens de la Terre* exhibition in Paris, Mahlangu has championed southern Africa’s artistic heritage, bridging traditional and contemporary art.

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### **Johanna Seidel: Salamander**
**Where**: Gaa Gallery, Tribeca, Manhattan
**Dates**: Through January 25

In her new series titled *Salamander*, artist Johanna Seidel steps into a dreamlike realm of metaphor and narrative. Featuring works like *October* — a poignant tableau of three young women sharing a carefree moment amidst shadowy undertones — the paintings evoke fleeting connections and ambiguous stories. By juxtaposing vintage imagery with an ethereal quality, Seidel’s works invite viewers to seek meaning in the unspoken.

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### **Kamari Carter: Vexillary**
**Where**: Microscope Gallery, Chelsea, Manhattan
**Dates**: Through January 25

Kamari Carter’s *Vexillary* offers a sharp, multilayered critique of American identity and surveillance culture. A standout work, *Patriot Act*, features megaphones broadcasting live police radio transmissions, amplifying themes of power and control. Complementing this is *Frozen Flag*, where a US flag encased in ice symbolizes an imprisoned yet hopeful future. By manipulating symbols of statehood such as the Stars and Stripes, Carter challenges viewers to reconsider the distance between America’s ideals and its realities.

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### **Anything but Simple: Gift Drawings and the Shaker Aesthetic**
**Where**: American Folk Art Museum, Lincoln Square, Manhattan
**Dates**: Through January 26

Offering a nuanced perspective on Shaker artistry, this exhibition highlights *gift drawings* — intricate, meticulously crafted spiritual messages from the mid-19th century. These vibrant ink-and-watercolor works were produced during the Shakers’ “Era of Manifestations,” and their intricate motifs and celestial inspiration resonate deeply, offering a glimpse into the transcendental ideals of this communal group.

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### **“Jack Was My First Art Collector”: Forrest Bess – From the Estate of Dr. Jack Weinberg**
**Where**: Franklin Parrasch Gallery, Lenox Hill, Manhattan
**Dates**: Through January 31

Forrest Bess referred to his works as “visions,” blending abstraction with deeply personal symbolism. This intimate exhibition consists of small-scale paintings (some only a few inches wide), filled with enigmatic scenes of color and texture. Bess’s powerful blend of landscape and inner psyche makes this show an unmissable insight into his singular world.

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### **Longing: In Between Homelands**
**Where**: Palo Gallery, Soho, Manhattan
**Dates**: Through February 8

Featuring Palestinian photographers Nadia Bseiso, Ameen Abo Kaseem, and Lina Khalid, this group show is a poignant exploration of displacement and memory. The artists’ photographs document everyday moments, such as the haunting beauty of the Dead Sea or beach scenes in Beirut, blending personal narratives with larger themes of exile and longing. The exhibition doubles as a means of support for the artists, with proceeds from sales going directly to them.

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### **Michael Asher**
**Where**: Artists Space, Tribeca, Manhattan
**Dates**: Through February 8

For fans of institutional critique, Michael Asher’s retrospective revisits his rigorous exploration of art’s boundaries. Known for challenging conventional gallery spaces, Asher’s work invites intellectual discourse. While the exhibition leans heavily on archival material, it’s a must-see for enthusiasts of conceptual art’s history.

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### **Beatrix Potter: The Picture Letters (Online Exhibition)**
**Where**: Morgan Library & Museum (virtual experience)
**Dates**: Ongoing

If braving the winter cold isn’t appealing, the Morgan Library’s online exhibitions are a perfect alternative. *The Picture Letters* delves into Beatrix Potter’s illustrated correspondence with children, including her