This Christmas season prompts gratitude and reflection, especially as I approach my two-year anniversary as an associate editor at Hyperallergic. My focus is on New York City, through my weekly newsletter and exhibition reviews. This year has been marked by significant events, including museum reopenings, major exhibitions, and the advent of a new mayor, bringing with him a wave of hope and humor. However, for me, it has been a year of connecting more deeply with the city, finding calm beneath its bustling surface.
To anchor myself means to stay true to the tangible and genuine. Despite the art world’s emphasis on experiencing art in person, there’s a growing reliance on digital representations, such as press releases and social media posts. With the rise of AI, we risk losing our connection to the physical and authentic. New York City itself disrupts this digital immersion, pulling you back to reality with unexpected encounters, like a nudge on a crowded train platform.
My engagement with the real New York was enriched by working with Arthur Nersesian, a Lower East Side fixture whose book, ‘The Fuck-Up,’ humorously explores the gritty ’90s. His review of the Pyramid Club’s oral history, now Nightclub 101, is imbued with rich memories. Similarly, the Christo exhibition at The Shed evoked childhood nostalgia, rekindling memories of vibrant flags against a snowy Central Park.
A key aspect of deepening community ties was meeting many of you at our Halloween event at Francis Kite Club. Covering MFA thesis shows was another highlight, acknowledging the significance of students in our art community. Writing the In Memoriam column, honoring those we’ve lost, is a privilege that reinforces the importance of remembering as we look to the future.
Working with talented writers is the most rewarding part of my role. Monthly exchanges with Taliesin Thomas for the Upstate guide are always energizing. Collaborating with John Yau enhances my perspective on art, while editing Ed Simon’s pieces on various culturally significant topics enriches my own writing. Through their insights, I’ve gained a broader understanding of art’s impact, from Claudia Ross’s reflections on history’s echoes, to Jad Salfiti’s coverage of a Berlin institute’s bold stance on Palestinian solidarity.
This is what art does: it gives voice, prevents erasure, and creates beauty from chaos. That’s our mission at Hyperallergic. Thank you for your support and involvement in our community. If you’re not yet a member, consider joining us. Happy holidays, and here’s to another exciting year ahead!
