New York
August 12, 2020 Letter from the editor: With the heat wave waning slightly and museums still closed, now might be a good time to reorient your evening walk to take in some public art (while wearing a mask of course). Our Editor-in-Chief Hrag Vartanian rounds up seven queer public artworks on view across the city, and there’s also the ongoing River to River festival to check out in Lower Manhattan. All make for great local field trips, especially if you’re looking to keep little ones engaged and away from screens. In museum news, our staff writer Hakim Bishara writes of a complaint filed by the New Museum Union, which accuses the museum of engaging in unfair labor practices and violating the National Labor Relations Act. The complaint comes in the wake of the New Museum’s decision to recall some furloughed workers, though it has not recalled any of the employees who were part of the union’s bargaining committee. As the group told Hyperallergic, “The layoffs disproportionately targeted unionized and other low-paid workers at the Museum.” The Met has similarly announced a second wave of layoffs, reducing its staff by 20% — a drastic move predicted (and warned against) by the MMA Collective Action Working Group, a group of current Met employees. On the visual arts side, fellow editor Jasmine Weber dives into the canonical photographs of lesbian artist Joan E. Biren and staff writer Valentina Di Liscia walks us through David Wojnarowicz’s “Stoned Sketchbook” — each of which are headed to the auction block later this week for an LGBTQ+ benefit. Stay safe, Days ahead of today’s announcement, a group of Met employees sent a letter to museum administrators demanding greater transparency and protection for workers. Jasmine Weber, Hakim Bishara Event Pick Founded as a way of highlighting the resiliency of local artists, LMCC’s annual River to River Festival returns with new and recent works by Asiya Wadud, Mona Chalabi, Jean Shin, and Muna Malik. Dessane Lopez Cassell As arts communities around the world experience a time of challenge and change, accessible, independent reporting on these developments is more important than ever. Please consider supporting our journalism, and help keep our independent reporting free and accessible to all. Become a Member All new sustaining members receive an exclusive Hyperallergic Tote Bag and more! News “As they parade around their executive pay cuts, [director] Lisa Phillips is still making at least $500,000 while 25 people now have no income and no health insurance during a pandemic,” the union said. The complaint, filed by Local 2110 UAW, accuses the museum of laying off bargaining unit members in a discriminatory and retaliatory act and refusing to provide necessary information. A portrait of Audre Lorde and an intimate embrace between a couple in 1979 are two of four photographs by Joan E. Biren. Wojnarowicz created his “Stoned Sketchbook” as a teenager, but its loopy, delightful drawings foreshadow the mature artist’s irresistible irreverence. Valentina Di Liscia Looking for safe ways to see art? We compiled a list of beloved public artworks that celebrate LGBTQ makers and lives. Hrag Vartanian This week, artists reflect on quarantining from their studios in Tennessee, Massachusetts, Ohio, New York, and DC. Elisa Wouk Almino From the Store Do you hear that sound? Could it be… an infinite scream passing through nature? Norwegian Expressionist Edvard Munch thought so too when he painted his iconic modern masterpiece “The Scream,” now available as a spooky pop-up card you can put on display, or send to your friends and family to show them how you really feel. Shop more art-inspired pop-up cards Forward this newsletter to a friend! If this email was forwarded to you, click here to subscribe Hyperallergic, 181 N11th St, Ste 302, Brooklyn, NY 11211 This email was sent to newsletter@newslettercollector.com. Manage your preferences to subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletters. Forward Preferences | Unsubscribe | 