“Top Five Must-See New York City Shows to Kick Off February”

# An Informative Breakdown: Exploring Five Must-See NYC Art Exhibitions

New York City is a haven for art enthusiasts, boasting an array of galleries and exhibitions that reflect diverse perspectives, creative ingenuity, and groundbreaking activism. This week, the city’s art scene offers a mix of political provocations, stirring visual poetry, and imaginative explorations that challenge conventional storytelling. From legendary feminist artists to contemporary abstractionists, these five exhibitions showcase both the evolution of art and its relevance in today’s cultural landscape.

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## **1. Imaginary Books: Lost, Unfinished, and Fictive Works Found Only in Other Books**
**Grolier Club**, Midtown Manhattan
*Through February 15*

If books could exist beyond the tangible, “Imaginary Books: Lost, Unfinished, and Fictive Works Found Only in Other Books” would be their celebratory exhibition. The show delves into fictional and mythical books mentioned in real literature, creating a repository of imagination and curiosity. Curated by Reid Byers, renowned for authoring a comprehensive study on private libraries, this exhibition is an ode to bibliophiles and dreamers alike.

This unique collection features objects that only exist in the imagination, realized through collaborative efforts from artists, printers, and book artisans. Highlights include works inspired by the infamous “Necronomicon” and whimsical creations contextualized within other historical and fictional texts. A true homage to storytelling, the exhibition immerses visitors in worlds of wonder and speculative creativity.

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## **2. Judith Bernstein: Public Fears**
**Kasmin Gallery**, Chelsea, Manhattan
*Through February 15*

Judith Bernstein’s exhibition “Public Fears” is a retrospective of her lifelong commitment to political activism through art. Known for her potent critiques of patriarchy and corruption, Bernstein’s bold works are unapologetic in their messaging. Spanning pieces from the 1960s to her most current neon-colored creations, the exhibition reflects her dedication to satire, symbolism, and defiance.

Iconic works like “First National Dick” (1969) take aim at political figures, while newer pieces like “Death Heads (Four Eyes on Hot Pink Ground)” (2024) radiate urgent commentary on today’s injustices. Bernstein’s art is not merely a body of work, but a call to action—reminding viewers of the stakes and consequences of speaking truth to power.

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## **3. Etel Adnan: This Beautiful Light**
**White Cube**, Upper East Side, Manhattan
*Through March 1*

Etel Adnan’s poetic visual language is at the forefront of “This Beautiful Light.” Known as a Lebanese-American artist, writer, and philosopher, Adnan’s work bridges abstraction with the contemplative beauty of the natural world.

The exhibition’s centerpiece, “Apple Tree” (2021), is a striking ceramic tile mural that dances with saturated greens and blocks of dynamic primary colors. Her smaller paintings, created with palette knives, evoke the ebb and flow of landscapes and the subtle forces of nature. Through tapestries and paintings, Adnan reimagines the concept of home, awakening reflections on identity, displacement, and belonging.

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## **4. Alexis Trice: Deep Sea, Swallow Me**
**KDR Gallery at Long Story Short**, Lower East Side, Manhattan
*Through March 9*

Alexis Trice’s “Deep Sea, Swallow Me” is an intricate blend of emotion, nostalgia, and technical mastery. The exhibition features hauntingly beautiful imagery that feels steeped in both personal memories and timeless allegories. Trice employs Old Master techniques, layering colors with precision to create luminous, immersive scenes.

The recurring symbolism of pearls—formed through irritation within mollusks—becomes a poignant metaphor for resilience and transformation. Her works, dominated by misty seascapes and low horizons, create an evocative push-and-pull between the immediate and the ethereal. Viewers are left spellbound in what feels like a forgotten dreamscape.

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## **5. Discrimi-NATION: Guerrilla Girls on Bias, Money, and Art**
**Hannah Traore Gallery**, Lower East Side, Manhattan
*Through March 29*

The Guerrilla Girls—pioneering feminist activists known for their incisive, often humorous social critiques—take center stage in “Discrimi-NATION.” This one-room exhibition condenses decades of cultural commentary into compelling works that challenge institutions, patriarchy, and economic bias within the art world and beyond.

True to their roots, the Guerrilla Girls use posters, graphics, and slogans to deliver sharp critiques. A particularly poignant piece from 2016 mocking political absurdity remains as biting and relevant as ever. The exhibition reminds us of the intersection of activism and art, urging audiences to confront systemic biases while rethinking their own roles within culture.

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### **Bonus Recommendations Closing Soon**
Two additional noteworthy exhibitions in