5 Must-See Art Exhibitions in New York City

(Photo : Design & Trend - Meg Busacca )

1. "AMERICA IS HARD TO SEE" at The Whitney Museum

The first exhibition to kick-off the new location of the Whitney Museum of American Art is "America Is Hard to See." The title stems from a Robert Frost poem and a political documentary by Emile de Antonio. This title is an attempt at highlighting the ever-evolving perspectives of artists on the culture of the United States.

The collection of more than 600 works is comprised from various artists spanning different decades, themes, mediums and ideas, with the intention of representing a wide range of attitudes and interpretations of American art.

A visit to the new Whitney is a treat in itself, this exhibition is sure to provide a little something for everyone to relate to. The exhibition will be on display until Sept. 27, and the museum is open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. On Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays the Whitney is open until 10 p.m. The Whitney is closed on Tuesdays. 

2. "7 Paintings" x Jim Thorell at Sotheby's

S|2 is currently presenting Swedish painter Jim Thorell's first solo exhibition in the United States, "7 Paintings." The collection of works represent the artist's infatuation with the subconscious and the inherent chaos as a result. Thorell's paintings involve the collision of color and form, illustrating a vibrant energy between fantastical shapes and friendly hues.

The exhibition will be on display until August 5, and the Sotheby's gallery floor is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. 

3. "I Stand Like A Mirror Before You' x Leonor Antunes at New Museum

The New Museum is presenting Portuguese artist Leonor Antunes' first solo exhibition in New York and her site-specific body of works in the Lobby Gallery. It is an architectural playground combining a unique range of materials, sculptures and textiles.

The space makes references to twentieth-century art, architecture and design, while also representing Leonor's passion for ancient craft and the work of the hand. "I Stand Like A Mirror Before You" is a series of handcrafted objects that explore the relationship between the transparent and concealed.

The installation will be on display until Sept. 6, and the New Museum is open on Wednesdays, Fridays and weekends from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Thursdays, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. 

4. "Home and Garden" x Albert Oehlen at New Museum

The New Museum is also presenting the German painter Albert Oehlen's first New York museum exhibition. "Home and Garden" includes several works over the course of his 30-year career, from self-portraits to abstract paintings.

The exhibition unveils the contrasting relationship between nature and culture as he experiments with distortion and irony through a variety of mediums. Oehlen's ever-surprising, unpredictable approach to his work has facilitated toward his growing impact on contemporary art.

"Home and Garden" will be on display until Sept. 13, and the New Museum is open on Wednesdays, Fridays and weekends from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. 

5. "Tiger Tiger" at Salon 94

"Tiger Tiger" is a group show exhibiting at Bowery's Salon 94 location and comprises a collection of works referencing elements of the jungle. Through sculpture and painting there is a strong representation of nature and animal forms displayed in a variety of wild colors and textures.  

The artists' presented in the "Tiger Tiger" curation are Michael Assiff, Jules de Balincourt, Brian Belbott, Katherine Bernhardt, Karin Gulbran, Shara Hughes, Marc Hundley, Misaki Kawai, Makiko Kudo, Nikki Maloof, Ryan Mrozowski, Nicolas Party, David Benjamin Sherry, Yutaka Sone and Paul Swenbeck.

"Tiger Tiger" will be on display until Aug. 21, and the Salon 94 Bowery gallery is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.