David Zwirner has expanded its global presence with the launch of 52 Walker Street, a new gallery space situated in the vibrant Tribeca neighborhood of New York City. This exciting addition to the art scene opened its doors in October 2021, marking a significant moment for contemporary art and gallery innovation. Directed by Ebony L. Haynes, 52 Walker Street promises a unique approach, setting it apart from David Zwirner’s other established locations.
Located at its namesake address, 52 Walker Street occupies the ground floor of a beautifully renovated five-story landmark building, previously known as the M1-5 Lounge. The architectural transformation is being led by Selldorf Architects, ensuring a sophisticated and contemporary environment for showcasing art. However, the distinctiveness of 52 Walker Street goes beyond its physical space. Under the directorship of Ebony L. Haynes, the gallery is conceived as a platform for conceptual and research-driven practices, featuring artists from diverse backgrounds and career stages.
While the artworks exhibited at 52 Walker Street will be available for sale, the gallery adopts a non-representation model, meaning it will not formally represent the artists it showcases. This model allows 52 Walker Street to operate with a unique rhythm, presenting four meticulously curated exhibitions annually. This schedule blends the dynamism of a commercial gallery with the extended development and presentation timelines often associated with a kunsthalle. Visitors are invited to deeply engage with each exhibition over a full season, fostering a more profound connection with the art through the gallery’s Clarion catalogue series and thoughtfully designed programming.
The inaugural exhibition at 52 Walker Street featured the compelling work of Kandis Williams. Williams, an artist based in Los Angeles with a versatile practice encompassing collage, performance, video, assemblage, and installation, inaugurated the space from October to December 2021. Her work critically examines themes of race, nationalism, authority, and eroticism, aligning perfectly with the gallery’s commitment to showcasing thought-provoking and conceptually rich art. Following Williams, the exhibition schedule for 52 Walker Street through 2022 features a dynamic roster of artists including Nikita Gale, Nora Turato, Tiona Nekkia McClodden, and Tau Lewis, ensuring a continuous stream of engaging and diverse artistic voices.
52 Walker Street is poised to become a vital destination for experiencing contemporary art in New York City. Its innovative model, coupled with the curatorial vision of Ebony L. Haynes and the backing of David Zwirner, establishes it as a significant and evolving space within the global art landscape. Art enthusiasts and collectors alike will find 52 Walker Street a compelling venue to discover and engage with groundbreaking contemporary art in the heart of Tribeca.
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