It's great that New York has large spaces for art. But the enormous immaculate box has become a dated, even oppressive place. Many of these spaces were designed for sprawling installations, large paintings, and the Relational Aesthetics work of the past fifteen years.
The author, Jerry Saltz, critiques the large art spaces in New York, arguing that they are often too big and oppressive for the type of art they are meant to showcase. He suggests that these spaces were designed for specific types of art, such as sprawling installations and large paintings, but are not well-suited for more contemporary art forms.
The quote highlights the tension between the physical space and the art it is meant to display. Saltz is arguing that the space can overpower the art, making it difficult to fully appreciate the work.
The quote likely refers to the Relational Aesthetics movement of the past 15 years, which emphasized the importance of the viewer's experience and the relationship between the viewer and the art.
Jerry Saltz is an American art critic and journalist. He is the senior art critic for New York magazine and has written for numerous publications, including Art in America and Artforum.
The quote may have implications for artists and curators who are looking to create engaging and effective art installations. It suggests that the physical space can greatly impact the viewer's experience, and that artists should consider this when designing their work.
The quote may be seen as a criticism of the large art spaces in New York, which are often seen as iconic and prestigious. Some may argue that Saltz is being too negative and that the spaces are necessary for the art world to thrive.