Art Events to Attend in New York This Valentine’s Day Weekend

See a screening of Wendy Clarke's legendary 'Love Tapes,' for instance.

Depending on whom you ask, feelings about Valentine’s Day is sure to elicit enthusiasm or indifference. But romantic considerations aside, there’s something to be said about the holiday’s celebration of love, and among its infinite subjects, art has never had a better muse.

Whether you’re single or partnered, we’ve identified three events this weekend that each pay homage to our love affair with art.

Wendy Clarke, Love Tapes. Photo: Courtesy of the artist

Wendy Clarke, Love Tapes (1981).
Photo: Courtesy of the artist.

1. Wendy Clarke’s “Love Tapes” at the Museum of Arts and Design
In 1977, American artist Wendy Clarke set out to explore the phenomenon of love. This impetus would lead to a participatory project that prompted subjects to talk about their feelings on the matter for three minutes. Over a span of 24 years, Clarke canvassed 2,500 participants from around the world for their testimonies and captured their interpretations on footage. The resulting project, titled “Love Tapes,” is the video artist’s exquisite labor of love.

In a timely presentation that coincides with Valentine’s Day weekend, the Museum of Arts and Design in New York is hosting a special screening of the project on Friday, February 12. The videos curated into this 97-minute compilation are designed specifically around the show. Clarke, along with film historian Michael Renov, will hold a Q&A after the screening.

The Museum of Arts and Design’s Screening of “Love Tapes” starts at 7PM. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for members and students.

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Shinji Murakami, Installation view of 🌺🌷🌼💗 🐴✨🌈🌸🌹️
Photo: Courtesy of the artist and Cantica Tabacaru Gallery


2. Shinji Murakami’s “🌺🌷🌼💗 🐴✨🌈🌸🌹” ️at Catinca Tabacaru Gallery
Over at the Catinca Tabacaru Gallery, New York-based Japanese artist Shinji Murakami‘s work is sure to hit a sweet spot. Drawing from the digital vernacular that informs the artist’s pieces, the show is aptly titled “🌺🌷🌼💗 🐴✨🌈🌸🌹,” featuring 14 of his flattened, 3-D sculptures. The show’s collection pulls from the artist’s “3D-8BIT” series, which his website describes as “three-dimensional art pieces deconstructed into nostalgic 8-bit cubes.”

As a nod to Valentine’s Day, the artist created limited edition pieces, which range from emoji-inspired representations of rainbows to flowers and hearts.

Shinji Murakami’s solo exhibition at the Catinca Tabacaru runs through February 21.

love

Robert Indiana. LOVE (1967)
Photo: Courtesy of MoMA

3. “Valentine Tours” at the Museum of Modern Art
For well over a decade, the Museum of Modern Art has hosted their annual “Valentine Tours.” The event invites couples for a special after-hours tour of the grounds, accompanied by an art historian.

Admission to the event may run a little steep, however. Couples can expect to pay $225 for a set of tickets.

“Valentine Tours” at the Museum of Modern Art will be held at 5:30 PM on Saturday, February 13.


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