Podcast Summary: "All Of It" Episode - "100 Pieces of Art' with the Bronx Museum"
Podcast Information:
- Title: All Of It
- Host: Alison Stewart
- Producer: WNYC
- Description: ALL OF IT is a show about culture and its consumers, aiming to engage thinkers, doers, makers, and creators in discussions about the what and why of their work. The show fosters a community that embraces diverse perspectives, reflecting the vibrancy of New York City’s cultural landscape.
- Episode Title: 100 Pieces of Art' with the Bronx Museum
- Release Date: June 3, 2025
Introduction
In the landmark episode celebrating WNYC's centennial, host Alison Stewart delves into the rich tapestry of New York City's art scene with special guest Eileen Jane Lynch, Director of Curatorial Programs at the Bronx Museum of Art. The episode is part of the "100 Pieces of Art" series, which invites art experts to highlight ten must-see artworks that embody the city's diverse cultural fabric.
Notable Quote:
"Culture encompasses religion, food, what we wear, how we wear it, our language, marriage, music, what we believe is right or wrong, how we sit at the table, how we greet visitors, how we behave with loved ones, and a million other things." – Cristina De Rossi (Referenced by the host)
Criteria for Selection
Eileen Jane Lynch outlines the thoughtful criteria behind her selection of the top ten artworks:
- Accessibility: Art that is easily accessible to the public, whether in museums, on the streets, or through other public installations.
- Diverse Perspectives: Pieces that offer varied viewpoints and represent different cultural, social, and historical backgrounds.
- Engagement: Artworks that provoke thought, invite interaction, and encourage viewers to explore and experience them firsthand.
- Longevity: Preference for exhibitions and artworks that are either part of permanent collections or have enduring displays, ensuring that listeners have ample opportunity to visit.
Notable Quote:
"I was thinking about accessibility, different perspectives, engagement... giving the listener some time to go see the show." – Eileen Jane Lynch [02:25]
Highlighted Artworks
1. Beacons by Rico Gesson (167th Street Subway Station)
Located just up from the Grand Concourse, this MTA-commissioned piece celebrates influential Bronx figures like Gil Scott-Heron, Tito Puente, Audre Lorde, and Maya Angelou. The artwork features radiant rays emanating from their portraits, symbolizing their enduring impact on the community.
Notable Quote:
"It's a celebration of the energy and spirit of these really influential figures within the Bronx community... it's really just an uplifting, really positive piece." – Eileen Jane Lynch [04:21]
2. Double Dutch by John Ahern and Rigoberto Torres (Banana Kelly, 1982)
This public artwork pays homage to the Bronx's history and community, capturing the dynamic energy of girls engaged in double Dutch. Positioned at 912 Kelly Street, the piece reflects the artists' commitment to making art belong to the public.
Notable Quote:
"Their ethos is the community... capturing these girls doing double dutch is just really amazing." – Eileen Jane Lynch [05:28]
3. Animal Kingdom at the Oculus
Introduced by caller David, a crane operator involved in setting up the exhibit, this installation features a dozen lifelike animal sculptures in their habitats. Created in England, manufactured in China, and displayed for a one-year run, Animal Kingdom offers a whimsical escape adjacent to the World Trade Center.
Notable Quote:
"They're so realistic looking. I gotta tell you, I highly recommend it if you're looking for something nice to do." – David [06:13]
4. Aristotle Aesthetics by Futura 2000 (Bronx Museum of Art)
An 18-foot-tall mural created specifically for a 2022-2023 exhibition, this piece stands as Futura's largest-scale museum exhibition in his hometown. It showcases his extensive work, including paintings, collaborations, and photographic works, highlighting the importance of preserving graffiti culture.
Notable Quote:
"It's really important to be able to preserve and care for that culture." – Eileen Jane Lynch [08:22]
5. Bronxbot by Stephanie Dinkins (Bronx Museum of Art)
Utilizing AI, Bronxbot is a multi-personality chatbot with three distinct "heads" representing indigenous peoples, the doo-wop era of the 1940s-50s, and contemporary times. This interactive piece encourages dialogue between humans and AI, fostering a unique artistic experience.
Notable Quote:
"She sees it as gifting intelligence to AI... you talk to it and it talks back and it's very amazing." – Eileen Jane Lynch [09:08]
6. Everything by Adrian Piper (Metropolitan Museum of Art)
A mirror etched with the phrase "everything will be taken away," this installation invites viewers to engage with themes of existentialism and introspection. Part of the "Contemporary Art in the Byzantine Crypt" exhibition, it challenges perceptions and evokes deep reflection.
Notable Quote:
"It's part of their exhibition... talking about this proclamation, it's talking about this existentialism." – Eileen Jane Lynch [10:31]
7. Jungle Jungle by Mark Bradford (Bronx Museum of Art)
Created during the pandemic using readily available materials, this abstract piece features colorful torn paper, string, and abstracted animal figures within a fantastical jungle scene. Bradford's work symbolizes a new creative direction, likening the process to childlike play.
Notable Quote:
"It's almost like treating it like a child playing. And so it's this fantasy jungle that he's created." – Eileen Jane Lynch [12:03]
8. Works at the Whitney Museum of American Art
- Martin Wong and Amalia Mesa-Bains: Both pieces are part of the Whitney's permanent collection. Amalia Mesa-Bains' work in "Shifting Landscapes" addresses political, ecological, and social issues through a central feminine archetype, blending Aztec spiritual elements with Western art history.
Notable Quote:
"When you come upon Amalia's piece... it was just very powerful to see that." – Eileen Jane Lynch [16:43]
9. Public Library Art
- Jean Shin's "Something Borrowed, Something Blue" (Brooklyn Heights Branch): A suspended upside-down tree wrapped in denim, symbolizing ecological themes and the sustainability of repurposed materials. The installation includes lettered lights featuring titles of widely circulated books.
- Additional Library Installations (Hunts Point Branch): Further artworks not detailed in the transcript but contribute to the library’s cultural offerings.
Notable Quote:
"It's thinking about, you know, different types of knowledge. It's thinking about ecology." – Eileen Jane Lynch [17:19]
10. Empathic Universe by Saya Wolfak (Museum of Arts and Design)
An immersive installation featuring an upside-down figure with flowing water elements, representing human relationships with nature. The exhibit includes interactive pillows, allowing visitors to engage physically and emotionally with the artwork.
Notable Quote:
"It really takes you into this, this different place... exploring our human relationship with nature." – Eileen Jane Lynch [18:31]
Listener Engagement and Additional Highlights
Throughout the episode, Alison Stewart invites listeners to share their favorite pieces of art in New York City. Several callers contribute their recommendations, further enriching the discussion:
-
Larry from an Unknown Location: Highlights the mosaic of Lou Reed at the 86th Street Q subway station, emphasizing its vibrant representation and location-specific experience.
Notable Quote:
"It's an incredible picture of Lou Reed in his later years. I think he's probably in his 60s in the mosaic..." – Larry [13:39]
-
Matthew from Harlem: Mentions two significant pieces:
- "Angel of the Waters" by Emma Stebbins: A statue in Central Park's Bethesda Fountain.
- Keith Haring's Triptych for the Cathedral of St. John the Divine: A dynamic work reflecting Haring's iconic style.
Conclusion
Alison Stewart wraps up the episode by thanking Eileen Jane Lynch for her insightful contributions and encouraging listeners to explore the diverse art offerings in New York City. The episode not only highlights ten pivotal artworks but also underscores the communal and interactive nature of experiencing art within the city's vibrant cultural landscape.
Notable Quote:
"Thank you so much for calling in. So, Eileen, we're going to go back to your list as people call in." – Alison Stewart [19:20]
Additional Information: Listeners are encouraged to visit the Bronx Museum of Art and other featured locations to experience these artworks firsthand. The episode serves as both a guide and an invitation to engage with New York City's multifaceted art scene.
Disclaimer: This summary is based on the transcript provided and is intended to capture the essence and key points of the podcast episode. For a complete experience, listeners are encouraged to tune into "All Of It" on WNYC.