Back in August, news reports confirmed that billionaire art collector Peter Brant bought Walter De Maria’s former home and studio at 421 E. Sixth St. for $27 million.
While nothing has been made official about what Brant intends to do with the space, a tipster told us last spring that it will serve as exhibition space.
And last night, the Brant Foundation apparently had some kind of soft opening inside the space… EVG reader Shawn Chittle was there and shared these photos… We don't have any details on the exhibit… which included carefully placed scattered bottles and a drunken Scooby Doo… [Updated: Page Six reports this is the work of Gagosian gallery artist Dan Colen.]
[Click on image to enlarge]
De Maria died of a stroke in July 2013 at age 77.
No. 421 was built in 1920 as a ConEd substation, but had been converted into a photography studio after De Maria bought it in 1980.
All photos via Shawn Chittle
Previously on EV Grieve:
About that "giant-robot laboratory" on East Sixth Street
RIP Walter De Maria
What is your East Village dream home?
Walter De Maria's 'giant-robot laboratory' going for $25 million; inside is amazing as you'd expect
Walter De Maria's home/studio on East 6th Street is now on the market for $25 million
Rumor: The Brant Foundation buying Walter De Maria's E. 6th St. studio for an exhibition space (19 comments)
Confirmed: Peter M. Brant buys Walter De Maria's amazing East 6th Street home and studio
1st permits filed for renovation of Walter De Maria's former home-studio on East 6th Street
Well it will be exciting to have a new exhibition space in the neighborhood -- I hope they will show work that makes better use of such a magnificent space than scattered beer bottles.
ReplyDeleteI'm liking the Scooby, tho.
An empty six pack and a discarded plush animal, they could have least splurged for a keg.
ReplyDeleteOh goodie, yet more frat art.
ReplyDeletePeter Brant has a fantastic collection of contemporary art, starting with Warhol and Franz Kline and right up through the present. He is married to Stephanie Seymour and he owns both Interview Magazine and Art in America. This is a wonderful addition to the neighborhood and it will attract art lovers which make nice visitors. The whole thing is about as far removed from 'frat" anything as one can get.
ReplyDeleteIt certainly seems like commenters on this site are obsessed with frats and bros, and manage to work it into any topic no matter how irrelevant.
Visiting the Brant collection's current place in Connecticut is extremely restricted. I am one local who is very excited about this, and I can't wait to visit.
I think this is a great addition to the neighborhood and will certainly attract a desirable group of visitors to the area.
ReplyDeleteThank you anon @ 11:28 for stating exactly what I was thinking. You are spot on about the commenters' obsession with frats, bros, etc. Has absolutely nothing to do with this story yet, when I clicked on the comments I KNEW I would find it here.
Gojira, shhhhh!!!
ReplyDeleteuh, how is empty beer bottles not deserving a "frat" reference?
ReplyDeleteMany of us are excited but also weary of what it might bring. Look just to the Bowery and the New Museum to see what may lay ahead for the immediate area surrounding this building. Blocks surrounding the New Museum have galleries sprouting in spaces which were once store for the local (Chinatown) community. These buildings will be even more appealing to carpet bagger developers so expect more evictions and gut renovations nearby.
I also don't see a frat connection. Brandt is a world-famous collector of art. At least he's not going to ruin this beautiful building.
ReplyDeleteThat said, this is a harbinger for the frat crowd being pushed out by the serious money crowd. While I far prefer civilized, art-collecting rich people to barfing, screaming douches, the douches are at least transient. Once rich people claim the neighborhood as theirs, it's over.
Brant is smart and sophisticated enough. Although this story has nothing to do with Frats and Bros, it is entirely possible that this exhibition is some sort of critique of the general debasing of the broader culture which would include things like frats and bros.
ReplyDeleteHigh culture has always been dependent on wealthy patrons. The difference is that Brant offers his collection for free viewing by a general public. Particularly across the street from public housing projects. He is known for supporting cultural community initiatives in areas were he operates. If anything something like this will shoo away the frats and bros and santacons.
This is already a neighborhood for the rich. I am happy to see the addition of a place for art and culture, rather than yet another upscale supermarket, or a ridiculously priced restaurant.
"Rich people don't like slides.....apparently."
ReplyDelete.....is my new slide rule.
Pity.
'It certainly seems like commenters on this site are obsessed with frats and bros, and manage to work it into any topic no matter how irrelevant."
ReplyDeleteAmen. Oh man that is too funny!!
So, this space is not across the street from a "public housing project". Those are (or were) middle income housing units.
ReplyDeleteWhy would you need self expression when you have everything handed to you. Fuck beugoise art its artistically worthless. Shepard fairey sucks.
ReplyDeleteYuck.
ReplyDelete