A List of 25 Noteworthy Aspects and Innovations in the Art World
**Celebrating Joy: A Year in Art and Community Achievements**
As we navigate through turbulent times, it’s essential to recognize and celebrate the moments and accomplishments that bring us joy, both great and small. This year, despite numerous challenges, we have witnessed significant strides in the art community, fostering hope, unity, and a deeper appreciation for creativity. Here are 25 highlights that have brightened our year.
1. **Jeffrey Gibson’s Met Museum Facade**: This installation, featuring a captivating quartet of animals—deer, coyote, hawk, and squirrel—embodies ancestral joy and wisdom, earning its place as one of the best art installations of the year.
2. **University Museums**: Unencumbered by market forces, these institutions produce some of the most thoughtful exhibitions, offering invaluable insights and experiences.
3. **Indigenous Curators**: Pioneering figures like April Phillips, Candice Hopkins, Sháńdíín Brown, and others are redefining the art landscape by organizing groundbreaking shows and elevating Indigenous narratives.
4. **Repatriations**: The return of culturally significant artifacts to their rightful communities, such as the Santa Ana Pueblo’s artifact repatriation, marks a historic and heartfelt gesture of restitution.
5. **Local Art Publications**: Publications like *Carla*, *Variable West*, *Burnaway*, and *BmoreArt* continue to enrich the art dialogue with their dedicated local coverage.
6. **Thoughtful Collection Rehangs**: Museums like The Met and the Brooklyn Museum are reimagining visitor experiences through curated collection displays.
7. **Artists Committed to Creativity**: Celebrating artists who pursue art for expression rather than commercial gain, enriching the art world with authenticity.
8. **Friendly Gallerinas**: A warm smile at a gallery entrance transforms the space into an inviting haven for all visitors, enhancing the art-viewing experience.
9. **Thomas J Price’s “Grounded in the Stars”**: This powerful work reinforces the celebration and representation of Black women beyond societal expectations.
10. **Frenchette at The Whitney**: The delightful culinary offerings at this outpost make it an enticing stop for art enthusiasts.
11. **New York City’s Inspiring Essence**: Despite its challenges, the city continues to amaze and inspire with its vibrancy and cultural richness.
12. **Artist-Run Galleries**: These grassroots spaces, sustained by artists’ passion and labor, embody the essence of artistic community.
13. **The Earth Room by Walter De Maria**: This mystical installation in Soho provides a serene, meditative experience.
14. **Glare-Free Exhibition Lighting**: Thoughtful lighting design allows for an unobstructed appreciation of artworks, enhancing the viewer’s experience.
15. **Nice Gallery Bathrooms**: Shout-out to spaces that prioritize visitor comfort, offering clean and inclusive facilities.
16. **Open Studios**: These events provide unique insights into the creative process and foster community engagement with artists.
17. **Moomins’ Continued Charm**: Celebrations of these beloved characters highlight the enduring influence of Tove Jansson’s work.
18. **Highlighting Trans Artists**: Numerous exhibitions have bravely showcased trans and nonbinary artists, amplifying their voices amidst challenging times.
19. **MoMA’s Dedication to Ruth Asawa**: The focus on Asawa’s art education efforts underlines the importance of artistic legacy beyond physical artworks.
20. **Free Local Museums**: Institutions offering free entry ensure art remains accessible to all, inviting exploration without financial barriers.
21. **Pay-What-You-Wish Admission**: Museums offering this option demonstrate commitment to accessibility, encouraging broader engagement with art.
22. **Gallery Dogs**: These furry gallery companions add charm and warmth, making each visit memorable.
23. **No-Strings-Attached Grants**: Organizations providing unrestricted funding empower artists to create without constraints, fostering innovation and sustainability.
24. **Noah Fischer’s Relational Aesthetics Costume**: This creative expression at *Hyperallergic’s* Halloween party provided a memorable experiential lesson in art movements.
25. **Airport Art**: Art installations at airports, like Karyn Olivier’s “Approach” at Newark Liberty International Airport, transform travel experiences with unexpected moments of beauty.
In celebrating these moments, we reflect on the resilience and vibrancy of the art community. Let us continue to find joy in creativity and support the endeavors that enrich our cultural landscape.