In the world of art, where trends and tastes can be as fleeting as a butterfly's lifespan, the role of a curator is to provide a lens through which we can appreciate the timeless and the transformative. Gary Carrion-Murayari, the newly appointed curator at the New Museum, has done just that with his selection of Frieze favorites. Each artist and artwork he highlights offers a unique perspective, a window into a different world, and a chance to explore the depths of human creativity. Let's delve into the heart of Carrion-Murayari's choices and uncover the stories they weave.
A Journey Through Time and Space
One of the most captivating aspects of Carrion-Murayari's curation is his ability to transport us to different places and eras. Take, for instance, Arthur Simms' 'Insect in the Wall' (2024). This piece, created from discarded objects in the tradition of Jamaican assemblage, is a testament to the power of recycling and the beauty of found objects. Simms, an underappreciated artist, has crafted a sculpture that is both thought-provoking and visually stunning. It's a reminder that art can be born from the most unexpected materials, and it invites us to reconsider our relationship with waste.
The Poetry of Everyday Life
Haegue Yang's 'A Matter of Fact (from Dan)—Peep Asymmetry' (2025) is another standout piece. Yang, a kinetic artist, has a way of animating the ordinary. Her works reflect the poetry of everyday surroundings, transforming the mundane into the extraordinary. The piece, brought to Korea by the Kukje Gallery, is a perfect example of how art can reveal hidden beauty in the most unexpected places. It's a reminder that art is not just about the grand and the glamorous, but also about the small and the seemingly insignificant.
Environmental Narratives
Abel Rodriguez and Aycoobo-Wilson Rodríguez's 'Terraza Vajá' (2022) takes us on a journey through the history of the environment in Colombia. This father-son duo, represented by the Instituto de Visión, has created a work that is both personal and political. Their participation in the 2024 Venice Biennale under curator Adriano Pedrosa is a testament to the power of art to tell stories that matter. It's a reminder that art can be a powerful tool for raising awareness and sparking conversations about important issues.
Conceptual and Political Art
Sung Tieu's 'Untitled' (2026) is a conceptual and political piece that explores the history of immigration in Germany. Tieu, one of two German artists at the Venice Biennale, has created a pavilion façade that is both thought-provoking and visually striking. Her work is a reminder that art can be a powerful vehicle for social commentary, and it invites us to reflect on our own histories and identities.
The Body and Performance
Maryam Hoseini's 'Oblique Horizon (Bird of Paradise)' (2026) is a playful painting that focuses on the body and performance. Hoseini, who was part of a three-person show at the New Museum, is an amazing artist who challenges our perceptions. Her work is a reminder that art can be a powerful tool for exploring the human condition, and it invites us to think about the body and performance in new and unexpected ways.
Amazonian Connections
Pedro Neves' 'Untitled' (2026) is a piece that triggered something in me. His work, which I discovered at the Mitre Galeria, is a reminder of the importance of cultural connections. Neves, a Brazilian artist, has a way of connecting with the Amazonian culture that is both personal and universal. It's a reminder that art can be a powerful tool for bridging cultural gaps and fostering understanding.
The Intricacies of Small-Scale Art
Melvin Way's 'Purple Haze' (around 2008) is a small-scale work that is full of intricate detail. Way, who creates alchemical drawings on tiny bits of paper, has a way of capturing the essence of a subject in a limited space. His work is a reminder that art can be beautiful and meaningful even in the smallest of formats. It's a testament to the power of detail and the importance of scale in art.
A Personal Perspective
What makes these pieces particularly fascinating is the way they challenge our perceptions and invite us to think in new ways. Carrion-Murayari's curation is a reminder that art is not just about the pieces themselves, but also about the stories they tell and the conversations they spark. It's a celebration of the human spirit and the power of creativity to transform and inspire.
A Call to Action
In my opinion, these pieces are not just works of art, but also calls to action. They invite us to reconsider our relationship with waste, to explore the poetry of everyday life, and to think about the history of immigration and the environment. They are a reminder that art can be a powerful tool for social change, and they invite us to engage with the world in new and unexpected ways.
A Broader Perspective
From my perspective, Carrion-Murayari's curation is a testament to the power of art to connect us across cultures and time. It's a celebration of the human spirit and the ability to find beauty and meaning in the most unexpected places. As we explore these pieces, let's remember that art is not just about the past, but also about the future. It's a reminder that we are all part of a larger story, and that our actions today can shape the world of tomorrow.
