All Of It: Jackson Arn's 10 Favorite Pieces of Art in New York

Published on January 10, 2025 | Hosted by Alison Stewart | WNYC

Introduction

In this engaging episode of All Of It, hosted by Alison Stewart, the spotlight shines on Jackson Arn, a distinguished art critic from The New Yorker. As part of WNYC’s centennial celebration, the show embarks on a year-long project to identify 100 must-see pieces of art in New York City. Jackson Arn contributes his heartfelt selection of ten favorite artworks, providing listeners with insightful perspectives into the city’s rich cultural tapestry.

The Centennial Project: Curating New York’s Art Scene

All Of It celebrates WNYC’s 100th anniversary by curating a diverse list of 100 essential art pieces across New York City. Each month, experts from various art fields contribute their top ten picks, reflecting the city’s dynamic and ever-evolving cultural landscape. This collaborative effort underscores the belief that art in New York is not just preserved but actively created and reinterpreted by its inhabitants.

Jackson Arn’s Criteria: Personal Connection Over Canonical Must-Sees

When asked about his selection criteria, Jackson Arn emphasized a personal and honest approach:

“I sort of just chose 10 pieces that I really like. I didn't think of any like canon or any like absolute must see. I thought I would just be honest with myself and with you and talk about the things that have meant a lot to me.”
(02:37)

Arn’s selections are deeply personal, focusing on artworks that resonate with him rather than adhering strictly to established canons. This approach offers a refreshing take, highlighting pieces that hold significant meaning and evoke genuine emotion.

Highlighting the Top Ten: A Journey Through New York’s Artistry

1. Trader Joe’s Building in Brooklyn Heights

   Arn reflects on the transformation of historic buildings repurposed for modern use:

   “This is a Trader Joe's, but it used to be this grand, even grandiose bank building... it's the perfect metaphor for being in New York City.”
   (03:31)

   The blend of old architecture with contemporary commercial use exemplifies the city’s ability to preserve beauty amidst constant change.

2. "The Death of Socrates" by Jacques-Louis David at the Metropolitan Museum of Art

   A listener, David from Montclair, shares his admiration:

   “It represents a very important time where the age of faith... is shown here now at the age of Reason.”
   (06:13)

   The painting captures the philosophical tension between faith and reason, resonating with viewers across centuries.

3. Bailey Fountain in Prospect Heights

   Arn describes his personal connection to this public artwork:

   “Nereus is this strange sort of bloated figure, and he just has this expression on his face that I have spent an embarrassing amount of time trying to parse.”
   (07:23)

   The fountain, depicting the sea god Nereus, serves as a tranquil oasis and a testament to Eugene Savage’s sculptural mastery.

4. Jefferson Market Library

   Originally a courthouse, the library’s architectural beauty and serene environment left a lasting impression on Arn:

   “There was a gorgeous stained glass window right next to me... I'm just in one of the most extraordinary places in the city.”
   (08:34)

   This transformation from courthouse to library symbolizes the adaptive reuse of space, fostering community and creativity.

5. "Pasture" by Anni Albers at The Met

   Arn praises the simplicity and emotional depth of this fiber art piece:

   “There's just this heartbreaking simplicity about it. The way that she uses this incredible economy or poverty of material to create this beautiful swooning sensation.”
   (16:06)

   Albers’ work exemplifies the profound impact of minimalism in art, using texture and color to evoke emotion.

6. Siena Show at The Met: "Madonna Dellatte" by Ambrogio Lorenzetti

   Highlighting a unique religious depiction, Arn delves into the painting’s intriguing aspects:

   “Jesus is breastfeeding... it's so bizarre, and it's so, so beautiful.”
   (16:47)

   This piece challenges traditional religious iconography, blending the divine with the mundane in a captivating manner.

7. "Self Portrait" by Lenora Carrington at The Met

   Carrington’s surrealist style and imaginative expression resonate with Arn:

   “It's a painting that defies gravity... almost like a helium balloon.”
   (18:20)

   The artwork captures Carrington’s whimsical and otherworldly visions, inviting viewers into her fantastical realm.

8. Jacob Lawrence’s Great Migration Series at MoMA

   Arn emphasizes Lawrence’s narrative power in portraying historical experiences:

   “They’re spare... you see this mystery and you see this economy of means, and you almost project your own feelings.”
   (21:48)

   Lawrence’s work offers a poignant commentary on the African American experience, blending simplicity with profound storytelling.

9. "Le Moulin de la Galette" by Pablo Picasso at the Guggenheim

   Arn discusses Picasso’s youthful yet mature interpretation of a classic subject:

   “Picasso was 19 years old when he painted that... he still makes it his own.”
   (25:10)

   The painting showcases Picasso’s early talent and his ability to infuse originality into well-trodden themes.

10. "St. Francis in the Desert" by Giovanni Bellini at The Frick Collection

    Concluding his list, Arn shares his enduring admiration for this masterpiece:

    “It's a painting about being in the middle of nowhere, being far from civilization, but I just fell in love with it almost right away.”
    (29:23)

    Bellini’s work encapsulates solitude and introspection, offering a serene escape within the bustling city.

Listener Contributions: Diverse Perspectives on New York’s Art

Throughout the episode, listeners contribute their favorite artworks, enriching the conversation with varied viewpoints:

• David from Montclair highlights Jacques-Louis David’s "The Death of Socrates" for its philosophical depth.
• Gail from Manhattan reminisces about her father introducing her to Francis Bacon’s impactful painting at MoMA.
• Barbara from Manhattan advocates for the Balto statue in Central Park, celebrating its homage to heroism.
• Nicole from the Upper West Side praises the Duke Ellington Monument in Central Park for its intricate detail and elegance.
• Emily from Ocean Pines shares her affection for the Brooklyn Public Library’s Central Library, lauding its architectural beauty and literary inscriptions.

These contributions underscore the personal connections individuals have with public art, reflecting the city’s ability to inspire and resonate on multiple levels.

Insights and Reflections: The Living Canvas of New York

Jackson Arn’s selections and the listener contributions paint a vibrant picture of New York City as a living canvas, where art is interwoven into the daily fabric of life. The episode emphasizes that art in New York is not confined to galleries and museums but is a dynamic presence in public spaces, architecture, and community landmarks.

Arn’s personal anecdotes and the shared stories from listeners highlight the emotional and intellectual engagements that art fosters. From historic transformations of buildings like the Jefferson Market Library to modern installations like Keith Haring’s "Crack is Whack," New York’s art scene is portrayed as both diverse and deeply personal.

Conclusion

All Of It successfully captures the essence of New York City’s art scene through Jackson Arn’s curated list and the heartfelt contributions of its listeners. This episode not only showcases ten remarkable pieces of art but also celebrates the city’s ongoing dialogue between tradition and innovation, individuality and community. Whether you’re a seasoned art enthusiast or a casual observer, this exploration offers new perspectives on experiencing and appreciating the myriad forms of art that make New York City a cultural powerhouse.

Notable Quotes

• Jackson Arn on Personal Selection Criteria:
  “I sort of just chose 10 pieces that I really like... they just happen to mean a lot to me.”
  (02:37)

• David from Montclair on "The Death of Socrates":
  “It represents a very important time where the age of faith... is shown here now at the age of Reason.”
  (06:17)

• Arn on Anni Albers’ "Pasture":
  “There's just this heartbreaking simplicity about it.”
  (16:06)

• Ambrogio Lorenzetti’s "Madonna Dellatte":
  “Jesus is breastfeeding... it's so bizarre, and it's so, so beautiful.”
  (16:47)

• Arn on Jacob Lawrence’s Great Migration Series:
  “You almost project your own feelings... it’s a universal odyssey.”
  (22:36)

These quotes encapsulate the depth of conversation and the personal connections that make the episode both informative and emotionally resonant.

All Of It continues to celebrate and dissect the cultural gems of New York City, inviting listeners to engage, reflect, and appreciate the vibrant art that defines the metropolis.