From the extraordinary to the everyday, “New York, New York” reveals the daily life of the city’s populace at work, in their homes, on the streets, and at leisure, enjoying the parks, the beaches, the clubs and the bars of the city. In oils, works on paper, photography, prints and sculpture, the works on view explore the city from the early years of the last century almost to the present day.
Iconic New York developer and art collector, Elie Hirschfeld has lent four of his prized paintings to the exhibition, demonstrating his devotion both to the arts and the city he has helped shape for nearly 50 years.
“This is an exhibition that particularly resonates with me because of my love for New York and each of the pieces from my collection are symbols of my connection to the greatest city on earth,” Elie Hirschfeld said.
“I was more than happy to share them for this special salute to New York so that other people could appreciate how it inspired so many great artists.”
Elie Hirschfeld’s pieces provide a diverse, but uniformly moving view of the city from an eclectic collection of masters.
Arman’s Statue of Liberty is a 1980s masterpiece that entices the eye to explore its many layers of diverse perspectives in interpretation. Each piece of the original statue is divided and staggered, retaining its original forms despite the image of deconstruction.
Arguably America’s greatest female painter, Georgia O’Keefe, created the “Brooklyn Bridge” in 1949 and it was considered a farewell tribute to the city of New York before she moved to New Mexico that same year.
Meanwhile, Mark Rothko’s 1937 “Subway Station” is Elie Hirschfeld’s personal favorite.
“Actually, it’s a Rothkowitz, painted months before he changed his name,” he explained. “This is about how the future is coming into the station, the famous Rothko red representing and emphasizing that idea.”
Red Grooms painted “Seventh Ave Between 22nd & 21st St.“ N.Y.C. in 1967 and it remains as vibrant today offering a vivid look at a thoroughfare that bridges blocks of New York City a half century since it was created.
Elie Hirschfeld will be feted at the Gala opening on July 21.
“I truly hope that many New Yorkers and people from around the world are able to see this moving exhibition to see how our city can inspire great artists to create masterpieces like these,” Elie Hirschfeld said.
“Just one more reason why I love New York!”
You can learn more about the “New York, New York” exhibition by visiting Nassau Museum’s website.
