Podcast Summary: All Of It – “Glenn Ligon's 10 Pieces of Art to See in New York”

Podcast Information:

• Title: All Of It
• Host: Alison Stewart
• Episode: Glenn Ligon's 10 Pieces of Art to See in New York (100 Pieces of Art)
• Release Date: December 9, 2024
• Description: ALL OF IT is a WNYC show exploring culture and its consumers, engaging thinkers, makers, and creators about the “what” and “why” of their work within the vibrant cultural landscape of New York City.

Introduction

In this engaging episode of All Of It, host Alison Stewart invites renowned New York artist and curator Glenn Ligon to discuss his curated list of 10 must-see art pieces in New York City. As part of WNYC’s Centennial celebration, this segment highlights the city’s rich artistic tapestry through expert recommendations and listener interactions.

Glenn Ligon’s Curatorial Criteria

[01:41] Glenn Ligon:
“I tried to think about things that were in public spaces that people didn't necessarily need to go pay somewhere to see and things that are kind of like, you know, I sort of see on my journeys around the city.”

Ligon emphasizes accessibility and public presence as key factors in his selections, aiming to spotlight art that seamlessly integrates into the daily lives of New Yorkers.

Top 10 Art Pieces Discussed

1. David Hammons’ “Unnamed Performance” at Henry Ward Beecher Monument

[02:19] Glenn Ligon:
“I love the idea of monuments not being set in time… something about care, something about memory, something about representation.”

Ligon highlights David Hammons' interactive performance where Hammons places a scarf on a figure of an emancipated black woman amidst a blizzard, symbolizing ongoing dialogue with historical monuments.

2. Jack Whitten and Willem de Kooning at MoMA

[04:09] Alison Stewart:
“William de Kooning made this painting, Pirate, when he was starting to enter Alzheimer's.”

[05:00] Glenn Ligon:
“Pirate was always up at MoMA… I always loved that painting. I thought it was a mystical transmission of the painting's meaning to my brain.”

Ligon shares personal anecdotes about viewing de Kooning's "Pirate," reflecting on its emotional impact and the evolving recognition of artists like Jack Whitten.

3. Andy Warhol’s Shadows at the Dia Beacon

[08:49] Glenn Ligon:
“They're paintings of shadows… if somebody can make a whole exhibition out of paintings of nothing, then I could be an artist.”

Warhol’s minimalist shadow paintings resonate with Ligon, illustrating simplicity and conceptual depth in art.

4. The Metropolitan Museum of Art

[10:04] Glenn Ligon:
“The Met is such a comprehensive museum… every time you go, you can find something else you haven't seen before.”

Ligon reminisces about his formative experiences at the Met, appreciating its vast and diverse collections as a continual source of inspiration.

5. Public Art at Houston and Commonwealth Stations

[20:49] Glenn Ligon:
“There’s amazing public art in Harlem, Houston, Conwell… these are permanent and available to enjoy whenever people want.”

Highlighting the accessibility and permanence of public art installations, Ligon underscores their role in enhancing daily commutes and urban spaces.

6. Martin Wong’s Graffiti Collection at the Museum of the City of New York

[18:58] Glenn Ligon:
“Graffiti was like a blight on the city… now there's a museum show collecting this stuff.”

Ligon discusses the transformation of graffiti from perceived vandalism to celebrated art form, exemplified by Martin Wong’s comprehensive collection.

7. Studio Museum in Harlem’s “Ragging on Myself”

[22:45] Glenn Ligon:
“It’s based on a poem by Muhammad Ali… it mirrors the fate of individuals with the fate of the black community.”

This neon installation by Ligon, inspired by Muhammad Ali’s words, serves as both a personal and communal landmark, symbolizing unity and identity.

8. Broadway Shows and the Fantasia Bronze Hippo

[15:11] Andrea:
“Broadway shows are like framed art… the giant hippo that used to be in front of Lincoln Center is iconic.”

Listeners appreciate the live, performative art of Broadway and whimsical public sculptures like the Fantasia bronze hippo, highlighting the diversity of artistic expression in NYC.

9. Greenacre Foundation’s Waterfall and Cafe

[17:08] Elizabeth:
“It has an amazing waterfall and cafe… it was designed by Hideo Sasaki and is a very magical place.”

The Greenacre Foundation is celebrated for its serene public space that combines architectural beauty with natural elements, offering a peaceful retreat in the city.

10. Eleanor Roosevelt Statue at Riverside and 72nd Street

[22:07] Arlen:
“She’s leaning back, relaxed… it’s very human.”

This statue stands out for its unconventional, approachable depiction of a historical figure, making art relatable and reflective of everyday humanity.

Listener Contributions and Insights

Throughout the episode, listeners contribute their favorite art pieces, enriching the conversation with diverse perspectives:

• Lawrence from Brooklyn Heights:
  “Beaker with Apes” at the Cloisters – a 15th-century ornamental drinking cup with detailed monkey illustrations.

• Hank from Fort Lee:
  Bust of Sylvette at University Village – a hidden Picasso loved by locals.

• Lincoln from the Catskills:
  Giant mural at 30 Rockefeller Center – a homage to America’s optimism in the 1930s.

• Alex from Park Slope:
  Small piece of the Berlin Wall in Manhattan – a surprising historical artifact.

• Andrea from Hell's Kitchen:
  Broadway’s live performances and the Fantasia bronze hippo.

• Elizabeth:
  Greenacre Foundation's architectural beauty.

• Arlen from the Upper West Side:
  Eleanor Roosevelt’s approachable statue.

These contributions underscore the podcast’s commitment to showcasing a wide array of cultural landmarks, from classical to contemporary and public to institutional art.

Discussion on Public Art and Graffiti

[19:33] Glenn Ligon:
“The line between what is art and what is not art… is very porous now.”

Ligon delves into the evolution of public art, particularly graffiti, discussing its acceptance from urban blight to museum exhibitions. He highlights how public art enhances city life by being accessible and integral to the community’s visual landscape.

Art in the Airport and Future Installations

[15:54] Alison Stewart:
“Art in the Airport is on your list. Tell us a little bit more about art in the airport.”

[16:00] Glenn Ligon:
“There’s a percentage of construction budgets for airports now geared towards art… Receipt Johnson, Alicia Nussenbaum, Virginia Overton, Fred Wilson have done amazing pieces.”

Ligon praises the integration of art in public transportation hubs like LaGuardia, enhancing the travel experience and showcasing diverse artistic talents. He shares his own commission attempt, reflecting on the balance between artistic expression and contextual appropriateness.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Ligon expressing enthusiasm for his curated list and the dynamic art scene in New York City. Alison Stewart thanks him for his insights, emphasizing the value of public and accessible art in enriching the urban experience.

[24:11] Glenn Ligon:
“So much fun curating this list…”

Listeners are encouraged to explore these artworks, engage with their stories, and appreciate the diverse cultural fabric that makes New York City a global art hub.

Notable Quotes:

• Glenn Ligon ([02:19]):
  “Monuments not being set in time… something about care, something about memory, something about representation.”

• Lawrence from Brooklyn Heights ([07:38]):
  “Beaker with Apes… has just blown away. It’s my favorite work of art available to the public in New York City.”

• Glenn Ligon ([19:33]):
  “The line between what is art and what is not art… is very porous now.”

• Andrea from Hell's Kitchen ([15:11]):
  “Broadway shows are like framed art… the giant hippo that used to be in front of Lincoln Center is iconic.”

This episode of All Of It offers a comprehensive and heartfelt exploration of New York City’s art scene through Glenn Ligon’s expert lens, enriched by listener interactions and personal anecdotes. It serves as an inspiring guide for both locals and visitors to engage with the city’s multifaceted cultural offerings.