New York has famously been home to countless artists, with its electric energy, grit and iconic galleries fostering creativity. Unfortunately, it has also become an incredibly expensive city that’s out of reach for many; a contrast to the struggling but thriving young artist stereotype of the city’s past.
It’s that lack of accessibility that makes the Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi’s Harriet Friedlander Residency particularly special. Set up in 2008, the biennial prize offers an artist between the ages of 30 and 40 a grant of $100,000 to cover living expenses to fully immerse themselves in NYC’s chaos and creativity. Previous recipients include filmmaker Florian Habicht, performance artist Kalisolaite ‘Uhila and playwright Arthur Meek.
In September painter Ayesha Green (Kāi Tahu, Ngāti Kahungunu ki Heretaunga) was named as the latest recipient, flying to NYC with the Arts Foundation’s general manager kaiwhakahaere Jessica Palalagi.
When the news was announced, Tāmaki Makaurau-based Green noted the potential of experiencing art at a global scale – and the excitement of an ‘overwhelming’ NYC. “The residency is going to be huge for me because, in New Zealand, we miss out on seeing so much significant art due to our distance. Being able to go down the road and see works that changed movements and ideas is mind-blowing,” she said. “I’m ready for the overwhelming experience of New York – it's going to push me to think about my work on a global scale and explore how it fits into a bigger conversation, beyond just New Zealand.”
Green, who’s represented in Aotearoa by Jhana Millers Gallery, is known for her playful but deep paintings that explore histories of Māori and Pākehā representation, often co-opting ‘culturally loaded images’ from pop culture and Aotearoa’s history (a recent series drew from The Little Mermaid). She was also part of the team behind beloved Auckland bar/club Soap; RIP.
Fittingly, the arts were a focus for Green and Palalagi during their time in New York, with visits to iconic galleries, monuments and more – below, they share some of their favourite places for creative inspiration and more.
Statue of Liberty
It's interesting to look at a physical object that is usually found as an image which is then reproduced and distributed again and again and again. The power of the statue isn't found in its statue-ness, but instead of how it communicates ideas of liberty and freedom, America’s favourite, albeit not true, slogans, through image making and the symbolism that gives the image its meaning. The Statue of Liberty instead is an idea and the object itself becomes kinda irrelevant. – Ayesha Green
Neptune II Diner in Crown Heights, Brooklyn
She's a deceptive, low key, open 24 hour vibe, but the food is good (portion sizes out the gate), service is great and the TV is always on. I went when I first arrived and insisted on watching Monday night football much to the cringe of my partner. – Jessica Palalagi
MoMA
Oops, I was told off twice by security for standing too close to the Matisse. Lots of famous work here, the curatorial vision kinda boring, but nice to see things in the flesh. The Dali is so small, and I got to see a Faith Ringgold and T.C Cannon which was a wonderful surprise. – AG
The High Line
I’d never bothered to walk The High Line other times I’ve visited NYC. I can’t believe that some peeps were like, ‘let's make this old rail line a walking green space’ and 20 years later they did. Collective power to the people! It felt more chill and allowed for sit down breaks in the shade when you need; get a cocktail if that's the vibe. – JP
Dia: Beacon
I didn't really know what to expect and was just shocked for most of the time. Being able to experience these sculptures at scale was a very special thing, something we just don't have the room for in New Zealand. But, ya know, we should. – AG
New York City Aquarium
A surprise hit for me when I needed some respite from NYC being the loud, intense energy vampire she is. It's at Coney Island, which feels creepy in non-summer time, and with its lo-fi tunes and dark lighting made my cortisol levels go back down. – JP
Cabaret on Broadway
Having known nothing about Cabaret (the show, the plot, the songs) and basically attending because Auliʻi Cravalho (Moana from Moana) was going to be in it, as well as Adam Lambert – let's just say I was shooketh, shaken and stirred. Broadway shows have to be seen when you can, they just never make it down to our side of the hemisphere. Worth every unforgiving foreign exchange rate US dollar. – JP
Nan Goldin at Gagosian
Stendhal Syndrome (2024), incredible. It was amazing to see a work made by someone who is a complete master of their craft. It's the best thing I have seen in years. – AG (Editor’s note: The Nan Goldin exhibition closed in October). – AG
Whitney Biennial at the Whitney Museum
No, not a tribute to Whitney Houston every two years (although I would pay to see that) but an art thing. This year’s theme was ‘Even Better Than the Real Thing’. [Tickets] were reduced as the exhibition was ending and I still stayed for two hours. Large scale works, moving images, a piano with no player – I could go on and on (and I am a sucker for the merch). – JP
