Ebony L. Haynes, a director at David Zwirner since 2020 and founder of the gallery's affiliated space 52 Walker, has been appointed to a new role as global head of curatorial projects. In this position, she will oversee special exhibitions, projects, and collaborations with Zwirner's artists. Haynes will also continue to manage 52 Walker, which is known for its diverse exhibition program in New York's Tribeca neighborhood.
Key Takeaways
- Ebony L. Haynes is now global head of curatorial projects at David Zwirner.
- She will continue to oversee 52 Walker, a gallery space she founded.
- The new role expands her influence to global exhibitions and collaborations.
- 52 Walker has presented 16 shows since its 2021 opening, with a new exhibition featuring Raymond Pettibon.
Haynes's Expanded Role at David Zwirner
The newly created global head of curatorial projects position marks a significant expansion of Ebony L. Haynes's responsibilities within the David Zwirner gallery network. Her work will now include special exhibitions, various projects, and collaborations with artists across the gallery's international locations. This move reflects a strategic decision to leverage her curatorial vision on a broader scale.
Haynes has been a key figure at David Zwirner since joining as a director in 2020. Her leadership led to the establishment of 52 Walker in 2021. This space was conceived to highlight the work of Black curators and artists, addressing a recognized need within the art world for increased representation.
Background on 52 Walker
David Zwirner articulated his vision for 52 Walker shortly after the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020. He noted a disparity in representation within the art world, stating the need for change on the employment side. 52 Walker was established to help bridge this gap by providing a platform for diverse curatorial voices and artists.
52 Walker's Impact and Program Highlights
Since its opening in October 2021 with an exhibition by Kandis Williams, 52 Walker has presented 16 distinct shows. The gallery is recognized for its commitment to providing longer exhibition run-times, typically two or three months, allowing audiences more time to engage with the art.
The program at 52 Walker has featured a wide array of artists. These include Nikita Gale, Nora Turato, Tiona Nekkie McClodden, Tau Lewis, Bob Thompson, Arthur Jafa, Sara Cwynar, and Lotus L. Kang. The space has also hosted conceptually focused duo presentations. One notable pairing featured Pope. L. with Gordon Matta-Clark. Another combined the works of Glenn Ligon with Julius Eastman.
Current Exhibition
The latest exhibition at 52 Walker, described as the "sixteenth-and-a-half" show due to its short duration, features wrestling-themed drawings by Raymond Pettibon. This unique presentation also includes two live wrestling matches held within a ring inside the gallery space on October 3 and October 10.
Statements from David Zwirner and Ebony L. Haynes
David Zwirner expressed his enthusiasm for Haynes's new role. He views it as a natural progression of her contributions to the gallery.
"I’m excited to have Ebony in this new role, as it is a logical evolution of her work here at the gallery. Seeing Ebony’s Tau Lewis exhibition at our L.A. gallery earlier this year made it clear to me that her program should also be able to be seen by global audiences at our other locations. Closer to home, I am very much looking forward to her Isa Genzken show in Tribeca."
This statement highlights Zwirner's confidence in Haynes's curatorial abilities and his desire to extend her influence globally. The success of the Tau Lewis exhibition in Los Angeles was a clear indicator of her program's potential for a broader audience.
Ebony L. Haynes also shared her perspective on the new appointment. She is eager to expand the reach of 52 Walker's distinctive approach.
"I’m looking forward to bringing the 52 Walker experience to a broader audience and making even more room for ideas and collaboration with artists and curators across the globe. I’ve always been inspired by David Zwirner’s program and I’m excited at the new ways the programs will continue to lend to one another."
Haynes emphasizes the importance of global collaboration and making space for new ideas. Her statement indicates a desire for synergy between her expanded role and the existing programs at David Zwirner.
Future Collaborations and Global Reach
Haynes's appointment signifies David Zwirner's commitment to fostering diverse artistic voices and expanding its global curatorial footprint. Her new role will facilitate greater collaboration between artists and curators worldwide. This will lead to a more varied and accessible exhibition program across all David Zwirner locations.
The gallery anticipates that Haynes will bring her unique curatorial perspective to major exhibitions beyond New York. This includes potential shows in other prominent art cities where David Zwirner has a presence. The focus remains on presenting compelling art and supporting emerging and established artists.
- Expanded Curatorial Scope: Haynes will now influence global exhibitions.
- Continued Oversight of 52 Walker: Her foundational work at 52 Walker remains central.
- Artist Collaborations: A key aspect involves working closely with Zwirner's diverse roster of artists.
- Global Audience Engagement: The aim is to make her curated programs accessible worldwide.
The gallery's move to create this new position underscores a broader trend in the art industry. Many institutions are seeking to diversify their curatorial teams and programming. This aims to better reflect contemporary society and engage with a wider range of artistic practices and cultural perspectives.
This strategic appointment is expected to strengthen David Zwirner's position as a leading global gallery. It will also enhance its reputation for innovative and inclusive curatorial practices. The art world will be watching to see the impact of Haynes's expanded influence in the coming years.