Must-See Art Exhibitions Currently on Display in New York City
**Worldbuilding and Building Better Worlds in Art**
Worldbuilding and the aspiration to build better worlds are concepts often explored within the art world. When executed effectively, these artistic endeavors can become profound explorations of possibilities and imagination, offering insights into improving our reality. Artists like Saya Woolfalk, Umber Majeed, Ben Shahn, and Magali Lara exemplify this through their unique approaches in their artistry.
**Magali Lara: Stitched to the Body**
Magali Lara, a prominent figure in the Mexican art scene, explores the intertwining of personal and political narratives. Her exhibition, “Stitched to the Body,” held at the Institute for Studies on Latin American Art in Tribeca, reflects her dedication to feminism and creating spaces for women in art. The display navigates through themes where natural elements like sinuous trees and brushstrokes convey a sense of harmony amidst chaos.
**Saya Woolfalk: Empathic Universe**
At the Museum of Arts and Design, Saya Woolfalk’s exhibition “Empathic Universe” creates a realm where realism merges with psychological exploration. Woolfalk’s work blends pop culture with historical references, using art to craft futuristic installations that challenge perceptions. Her work goes beyond traditional realism, inviting viewers into a vivid, hyperreal world.
**Ben Shahn, On Nonconformity**
The Jewish Museum hosts “Ben Shahn, On Nonconformity,” an exhibition that delves into the artist’s devotion to social justice and collaboration. Shahn’s legacy emphasizes that nonconformity requires collective effort and active participation. Through his art, collaboration becomes a vital tool in striving for a just society, advocating for change through visual storytelling.
**Umber Majeed: J😊y Tech**
In an inventive blend of past and future, Umber Majeed’s “J😊y Tech” exhibition at the Queens Museum intersects the digital and analog worlds. Her installation, “WE CAN FIX IT,” creatively integrates diasporic Asian aesthetics with early internet culture. This technically innovative exhibition explores the fruitful physical and digital landscapes, pushing boundaries and redefining the intersection of culture and technology in art.
Together, these artists demonstrate how art can serve as a powerful tool for worldbuilding and exploring potential better futures. Through their exhibitions, they offer not only visions of other worlds but also meaningful reflections on how art can influence positive change in our current world.