NYC's Art Scene: Must-See Galleries in September

NYC's Art Scene: Must-See Galleries in September

New York City's art scene is always buzzing, and September is no exception. Here are some of the most exciting exhibitions to catch this month:

Upper East Side

'Yours Truly': This group show at Nahmad Contemporary features self-portraits by over 50 artists, offering a glimpse into their creative processes and personal journeys. From tender snapshots to bold oil paintings, the exhibition provides a diverse and captivating look at the contemporary art world.

Image: Installation view of “Yours Truly,” a group show of self-portraits by more than 50 artists at Nahmad Contemporary.

Hannah Villiger: Meredith Rosen Gallery presents the first New York solo outing in three decades of the Swiss artist Hannah Villiger, known for her intimate Polaroid self-portraits. Her powerful and evocative work explores themes of vulnerability, resilience, and privacy through the lens of her own body.

Image: Hannah Villiger’s “Block,” 1997, C-print on aluminum, at Meredith Rosen.

Chelsea

Gina Beavers: Marianne Boesky Gallery hosts a solo show by Gina Beavers, titled “Divine Consumer.” Known for her relief paintings inspired by social media, Beavers takes a more subdued approach in this exhibition, utilizing collages of online ads sculpted with foam and paper pulp. Her work explores the impact of digital images on our perception of reality.

Image: Gina Beavers’s “Red Towel Totems,” 2024, in her solo show “Divine Consumer.”

Brooklyn

Ian L.C. Swordy: Entrance, a new sculpture garden in Red Hook, showcases the inaugural exhibition of Ian L.C. Swordy's marble works. Swordy, a former performance artist, brings a unique energy and dynamism to his sculptures, exploring the possibilities of movement within a static material.

Image: Installation view of “Ian L.C. Swordy: Direct Carving NYC” at Entrance in Red Hook, Brooklyn. From left, “Swan Blossom” (2023), “The Pearl” (2024) and “The Return” (2022).

Adama Delphine Fawundu: Lefferts Historic House Museum in Prospect Park presents “Ancestral Whispers,” an installation by Adama Delphine Fawundu that commemorates the enslaved people who worked on the land. Through placards, shrine-like displays, and banners, Fawundu honors their lives and contributions.

Image: Installation view of Adama Delphine Fawundu’s “Ancestral Whispers” at Lefferts Historic House Museum.

Tribeca

Juan Eduardo Gómez: At James Fuentes, Colombian-born artist Juan Eduardo Gómez showcases his new solo exhibition, “Dusky Rainy Sunny.” His large-scale paintings depict fleshy figures posing as rock formations, creating a subtle dialogue between the human form and the landscape.

Image: Eduardo Gómez’s “Vertical Figure,” 2024, in his new solo exhibition, “Dusky Rainy Sunny,” at James Fuentes.

East Harlem

'Byzantine Bembé: New York by Manny Vega': The Museum of the City of New York presents a survey of Manny Vega's career, featuring his signature mosaics, paintings, and drawings. Vega's work draws inspiration from both his Puerto Rican heritage and his fascination with Afro-Atlantic religions, creating a unique blend of cultural influences.

Image: A glimmering glass mosaic portrait of a Puerto Rican bomba dancer in a swirling red skirt and yellow and white top, accompanied by a pair of drummers.

This September, NYC's galleries offer a diverse range of experiences for art lovers. From self-portraits and sculptures to social commentary and cultural explorations, there's something for everyone to discover and enjoy.