On its online viewing room platform, international gallery Almine Rech has launched a major charity initiative to support families and individuals in the wake of the Covid-19 crisis, and raise awareness for the devastating impact of homelessness across New York City.
This takes the form of a curated online exhibition of work by 17 New York and New Jersey-based artists including Leelee Kimmel, Jeff Koons, Arlene Shechet, Taryn Simon, Genesis Tramaine and Vaughn Spann. Fifty per cent of each sale will go directly to the Coalition for the Homeless in New York City.
The works, many of which have been created specifically for the show, include Taryn Simon’s Black Square XVIII, Dust from Canada, Mexico, Spain, South Africa and the United Kingdom, Arlene Shechet’s tree-like ceramic sculpture, It’s a Sign and Peter Halley’s graphically-rendered fluorescent painting, Untitled (10.23.18.3). Genesis Tramaine – whose work is concerned with identity and gospel spirituality – will present Covered by Grace, a new, boldly abstracted portrait comprising expressive brushstrokes and disjointed facial features.
‘It is vitally important to me that the gallery actively and positively contributes to our community — through dialogue, education, and action — both in this unprecedented moment and beyond. We are currently living through a period of grave impact, and I believe it is our responsibility, individually and collectively, to support those most affected in our communities,’ gallery owner Almine Rech-Picasso tells Wallpaper*. ‘I am deeply grateful to the artists for partnering with us to realise such an exceptional presentation in support of The Coalition for the Homeless in New York City, whose efforts continue to provide critical aid to thousands of at-risk individuals.’
In New York City, there are currently more people homeless than during The Great Depression with an estimated 63,000 people sleeping in shelters each night. Formed in 1981, Coalition for the Homeless is America’s oldest non-profit advocacy organisation specialising in long-term solutions to the issue of homelessness across the country. §
Sam McKinniss, Blush Roses in a Glass (after Fantin-Latour), 2020. Photography by Dan Bradica, Courtesy of the artist and Almine Rech