A neon lobby work by Glenn Ligon spells “AMERICA” with reversed letters and black paint flecks. The term “Rückenfigur” refers to a figure seen from behind, like a person contemplating what lies ahead. In the United States, arts organizations depend heavily on individual donors and philanthropy as federal arts funding is reduced. The Whitney uses a donor wall and names hallways and elevators after wealthy patrons. At the Whitney’s annual gala, members of the Whitney Union handed out materials outside the Renzo Piano-designed building while preparing for contract negotiations. Inside, the director posed for photos, sponsors were displayed, and guests gathered for cocktails in galleries.
"Inside, the Whitney's director, Scott Rothkopf, posed against a step-and-repeat that read "Whitney Gala 2026" and " Cadar," the diamond sponsor for the evening. I checked in and took the museum's Richard Artschwager -emblazoned elevator (the one they always put a bar in) up to the eighth-floor gallery for the cocktail reception."
Read at Artnet News
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