The Times Square Show was a pivotal event in the history of contemporary art, often regarded as a groundbreaking exhibition that marked the emergence of a new wave of avant-garde artists in the early 1980s.
Introduction
The Times Square Show took place in June 1980 in a dilapidated former massage parlor in Times Square, New York City. Organized collaboratively by a group of young, emerging artists, the show was seminal in defining the ethos and aesthetic of what would later be known as the "Downtown Scene." This exhibition was notable for its radical approach to art display and its role in blurring the boundaries between high art and low culture.
Background and Organization
The Times Square Show was primarily organized by Collaborative Projects Inc. (Colab), a collective of artists known for their DIY ethos and interest in social and political issues. Colab members sought to create an exhibition space that was accessible to a wider audience, diverging from the exclusivity of traditional galleries and museums. The chosen venue, a disused massage parlor at 41st Street and Seventh Avenue, reflected the gritty aesthetic and urban issues that were central to the artists' work.
Artists and Works
The exhibition featured works by over 100 artists, including now well-known figures like Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, Jenny Holzer, and Kenny Scharf. The art displayed ranged from graffiti and street art to installations, performance art, and video works. This eclectic mix not only showcased the diverse talents of the participants but also highlighted the show's inclusivity and rejection of conventional artistic hierarchies.
Themes and Impact
The Times Square Show was marked by a vibrant, anarchic atmosphere and engaged with themes such as consumerism, gentrification, and political activism. Its location in the heart of a neighborhood known for its seediness and decay was both a comment on and a canvas for the artists' work. The show's success lay in its ability to draw in a diverse audience, including people who might not typically visit an art exhibition.
The exhibition is often credited with launching the careers of several prominent artists of the 1980s. It provided a platform for these artists to be seen by influential figures in the art world, including gallery owners and critics, which led to further opportunities and greater recognition.
Legacy and Influence
The influence of the Times Square Show can be seen in the way it set the stage for other important exhibitions and movements in the 1980s and beyond. It was a precursor to the East Village art scene, and its impact on contemporary art can be traced through the increased visibility and acceptance of street and graffiti art in mainstream galleries and museums.
The show also had a significant influence on the way art exhibitions are curated and presented. Its success with a non-traditional venue and its collaborative, inclusive approach inspired a generation of artists and curators to think differently about how and where art can be shown.
