Attempting to encapsulate New York in an exhibition is a daunting endeavor. Its vastness and complexity are precisely what make it uniquely compelling. MoMA PS1’s ‘Greater New York’ ventures into this challenge, showcasing over 150 pieces from more than 50 artists, each contributing to the vibrant tapestry of the city’s art scene. Here, we focus on around 20 artists whose works caught our attention, whether for their brilliance, shortcomings, or the questions they provoke. Naturally, our opinions diverge—this is New York, after all, where eight million perspectives thrive. Dive into our curated list or explore our initial thoughts and impressions. We welcome your feedback. — Lisa Yin Zhang, associate editor
Dean Millien
Lisa Yin Zhang: Millien’s work quickly became a staff favorite. I shared a photo of it with our Senior Editor Valentina Di Liscia, an avid cat enthusiast, and her response was immediate approval: “Ok yes. very good.” The piece feels like an ode to New York, capturing the creatures we coexist with—cats and rats in playful, combative harmony. In an era where human relationships can be fraught, these creatures remind us of our shared vulnerabilities and ferocities.
Hrag Vartanian: Millien’s background adds depth to his work, having started crafting aluminum sculptures at just four years old after his father took away his toys. The sculptures’ cinematic quality and universal appeal make them instantly relatable, and the familiar medium of aluminum foil adds a tactile element that is hard to resist touching.
Hakim Bishara: This piece might be the standout of the exhibition. It’s charming, authentic, and unexpectedly beautiful.
Red Canary Song
Rhea Nayyar: This installation opens a window into the misunderstood and often misrepresented world of migrant massage and sex workers in New York. Through art forms such as sculpture, audio interviews, and data visualization, this grassroots collective effectively advocates for these marginalized communities. The environmental curation enhances accessibility for visitors unfamiliar with the subject, highlighting the dangers of stigma.
Hrag Vartanian: The installation cleverly uses cultural references to highlight broader issues, capturing the intimate dynamics of public perception. While some elements could be refined, the work’s core message remains powerful, raising critical questions about representation.
Rhea Nayyar: The resource and literature table might benefit from more organization, as the wealth of information could overwhelm first-time visitors.
Kameron Neal
Hrag Vartanian: Neal’s unsettling 25-minute piece, created during a residency at the NYC Department of Records, was inspired by 3,600 minutes of NYPD surveillance footage from a pivotal protest era in New York. The dual-screen installation explores the dynamics of observation and visibility through historical footage of protests, capturing the city’s fervent activism. As someone experienced in covering protests, Neal’s work resonates deeply, acknowledging both police surveillance and the agency of protesters.
Hakim Bishara: It’s disheartening to realize that despite the passage of time, the core issues remain unresolved.
