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Top Art Exhibitions Not to Miss in NYC This Fall and Winter Season

Sixties-inspired exhibits at the Whitney Museum lead the year's artistic lineup, with park installations in Madison Square Park following close behind.

Eight notable art exhibitions to visit in New York City during autumn and winter months
Eight notable art exhibitions to visit in New York City during autumn and winter months

Top Art Exhibitions Not to Miss in NYC This Fall and Winter Season

Art News: Two Exciting Exhibitions Set to Grace New York's Galleries

Art enthusiasts in New York City are in for a treat this fall and winter, as two significant exhibitions are set to open at Gagosian, a prominent gallery in Chelsea.

Firstly, "Richard Serra: Running Arcs (for John Cage)" will debut on September 12. This exhibition is a tribute to composer John Cage, whose experimental sound works had a profound influence on Serra's thinking about space, silence, and duration. The show features the return of Richard Serra's steel sculptures, titled "Running Arcs (for John Cage)", which were last seen in Chelsea over two decades ago.

Meanwhile, the career-spanning retrospective of John Wilson's work, titled "Witnessing Humanity", is the most comprehensive presentation to date. Scheduled to open on September 20, this exhibition spans more than 60 years of painting, printmaking, and sculpture from the Boston-based artist. John Wilson was known for centering Black life and political struggle in his work, and the show includes family portraits as well as political works, such as Wilson's studies for his famous bust of Martin Luther King Jr.

"Witnessing Humanity" is not related to Richard Serra's exhibition, despite sharing a similar title. It is, however, one of the highlights of New York's museums and galleries' packed fall and winter season. Unfortunately, "Witnessing Humanity" is not scheduled to open before early 2026, while "Running Arcs (for John Cage)" will be on display until November 19.

It's worth noting that "Witnessing Humanity" debuted at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, where it was met with critical acclaim. John Wilson, a British conductor in demand worldwide, is not currently scheduled for a comprehensive retrospective in New York.

The sculptures in "Richard Serra: Running Arcs (for John Cage)" are of a size that encourages visitors to not just look at them, but to inhabit them. The works in "Witnessing Humanity", on the other hand, offer a profound exploration of humanity, reflecting Wilson's deep commitment to social justice and his unwavering dedication to bearing witness to the human condition.

Whether you're a seasoned art aficionado or a curious newcomer, these exhibitions promise to be unforgettable experiences. Be sure to mark your calendars and prepare for a journey through the worlds of two remarkable artists.

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