Art and Culture recommendations from New York City

May is art fair season in the city!

From the high-profile Frieze fair to the offbeat Spring/Break, showcasing up-and-coming artists, there's something for everyone. It’s the perfect time to discover new work—whether you’re looking to buy or just want to explore and enjoy the range of creativity on display.

As always, we’re offering a brand-new gallery tour in Chelsea, featuring some truly stunning and thought-provoking exhibitions. Highlights this month include a major show by *William Kentridge* (details below), a mind-bending photography exhibition, and plenty of surprises along the way. Come join us!

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Artist Spotlight: Joshua Karo

Photographer Joshua Karo is working on a documentary series about the last of New York’s original artist lofts and the creatives still living in them. Check out his latest short film on YouTube, where he profiles painter joanie Scully and her partner Mauricio Marmay, who have been living in their Lower East Side loft since the 1970s. Their personalities, their story, and the rich history of their space all shine through in this intimate portrait.

Watch the full documentary below:

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Exhibition Pick: Rashid Johnson – A Retrospective

If you haven’t seen Rashid Johnson’s work in person, now’s the time. This celebrated New York–based artist works across sculpture, painting, performance, and video. He’s known for transforming everyday materials into powerful artistic statements—many of which have become his signature. The show takes over the museum’s curved gallery space and includes a wide selection of his work. A standout is *Antoin’s Piano*, a large-scale sculpture with a piano hidden inside that comes to life with a live concert once a day. The exhibition also features a lineup of events—music performances, poetry readings, and more. You can find the full schedule on the museum’s website.

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William Kentridge in Chelsea

A new exhibition by South African artist William Kentridge just opened in Chelsea—and it’s not to be missed. Born in 1955 in Johannesburg, Kentridge is widely regarded as one of the most influential artists of our time. Since the 1980s, he’s developed a powerful visual language that blends drawing, stop-motion animation, video, and theater.

This expansive two-floor show features everything from massive charcoal drawings to bronze sculptures. One highlight: a video piece titled “Self-Portrait as a Coffee Pot”. Watch a studio visit video where he talks about his process, inspirations, and the stories behind the work.

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Also on view in Chelsea: Malick Sidibé

As part of this month’s tour, we’ll also be seeing work by Malick Sidibé, the legendary photographer from Mali who captured the spirit of the 1960s during the country’s early years of independence. Here’s a short documentary about him that’s well worth watching.

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Get out of the city – Storm King is open!

Storm King Art Center is back for the season after a major renovation.

This incredible open-air museum spans more than 500 acres and features large-scale sculptures by both local and international artists. You can join a guided tour or wander at your own pace. Storm King also offers a great lineup of programs—workshops, performances, lectures, and more. And the best part? It’s easy to get there. No car? No problem—there’s a direct bus from Port Authority that gets you there in just over an hour.