artnet Sneaks Pictures of Vito Schnabel’s Invitation-Only Show in Aby Rosen’s 190 Bowery Building

Christie Chu May 17, 2015 ShareShare This Article

Photo: artnet News.

Is New York dealer and curator Vito Schnabel deceptively creating hype for his new exhibition, “First Show/Last Show,” by announcing its opening, abruptly deciding to close it, and then opening it again to a select crowd?

A public invitation to the show—at Aby Rosen’s new Bowery building—was circulated last week, but to the chagrin of curious art masses, it was quickly rescinded due to the high volume of “demand” (see Vito Schnabel’s Hotly-Anticipated 190 Bowery Show Closes Before It Even Opens and Aby Rosen Pays $55 Million for Gilded Age Building Artist Jay Maisel Bought for $102,000 Around 1966). Yesterday, artnet News received a press statement which read as follows:

“Due to unprecedented demand, the opening of First Show/Last Show is now closed. The show will be open by appointment May 18–29, Monday through Friday from 12–6 p.m. Closed Memorial Day. Please respond with your requested time and we will do our best to accommodate you.”

Photo: artnet News.

However, artnet News just learned that the supposedly closed exhibition (which features art of only white American men) did indeed open up to a few select people on Saturday, May 16. There were even security guards outside the graffiti-covered building to help escort those lucky individuals in. See below for the first look inside the hotly-anticipated (if only due to the artificial buildup) exhibition.

Photo: artnet News.