The Bronx Museum News

This review by Rahel Aima covers both the show Sanford Biggers: Codeswitch at the Bronx Museum and Soft Truths at the Marianne Boesky Gallery. Aima discusses the history behind Biggers’ works and what subtle forms appear in them. 

Biggers met virtually with emerging textile artist Diedrick Brackens for this conversation about references to ‘code-switching’ in their respective practices, the legacy of South of Pico in present-day L.A., the influence of Missy Elliot, and more.

Times contributor Hilarie M. Sheets announces that Klaudio Rodriguez, interim director of the Bronx Museum since early 2020, will be the new head of the institution after a decision by the board to “…support and promote from within.” Rodriguez is “joining a growing group of Latino leaders of art museums.” 

Lila Allen writes about a legend that inspired Sanford Biggers: Codeswitch. The legend, that quilts were used to mark the path of the Underground Railroad, captivated Biggers after a visit to Philadelphia’s Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church. The article discusses how Biggers uses history and dialogue as “materials” in his art. 

Gabriella Angeleti interviewed Biggers for this article, which announced the show before it opened to the public. The article covered Biggers’ inspiration for the exhibition including African American History, Buddhist spiritualism, and more.

Contributor Seph Rodney writes about Biggers’ series of over 50 works made with pre-1900 antique quilts, on display at the Bronx Museum through January 24, 2020. The article touches on the complexity of the works and the history that the artist communicates through them. 

“You don’t have to follow the norms,” says this artist who makes wrenching sculptures transformed by gunfire and radically altered heirloom quilts. A studio visit sheds light on his personal journey.

Jasmine Wahi, the Bronx Museum’s social justice curator, explains how visual activism can change institutions—and shares her reading list.

Earlier this year, Jasmine Wahi was appointed the Bronx Museum’s first Holly Block Social Justice Curator. Since she started the position in late February, the Bronx has been hard hit by COVID-19 and is now seeing protests against police violence. Below, Wahi discusses how art institutions can respond to crisis and identifies some of the…

Sanford Biggers’ upcoming Bronx Museum show, Codeswitch, is mentioned in this article where he discusses how he is adapting in the wake of COVID-19. 

Three shows in New York are inspired by a transgressive art form. For Parlá, it’s a mode of aesthetic innovation; for JR, it’s a jumping-off point and a pretense; for Martins, it’s a way to connect past and present.

Though the Bronx Museum of the Arts hosted its Annual Visionary Duos Gala in the central Manhattan location of Bowery’s Capitale, last night was all about the Bronx. The museum’s largest fundraiser of the year drew a large, eclectic crowd that was anything but shy when it came to flaunting theatrical attire. Guests from all…