Art World
Wet Paint in the Wild: L.A. Painter Tristan Unrau Opens a Pop-Up Show in New York, Then Hits the Spa
The artist takes us through a week in his life.
The artist takes us through a week in his life.
Tristan Unrau ShareShare This Article
Welcome to Wet Paint in the Wild, the freewheeling—and free!—spinoff of Artnet News Pro’s beloved Wet Paint gossip column, where we give art-world insiders a disposable camera to chronicle their lives on the circuit. To read the latest Wet Paint column, click here (members only).
Armory Week was a fluster of activity, wasn’t it? Among the highlights on my rap sheet was the pop-up gallery show hosted by my friend out in Los Angeles, dealer Sebastian Gladstone, who brought a suite of paintings by Tristan Unrau to a temporary space on the Lower East Side. If you haven’t seen his paintings, they have a wonderfully eclectic mix of style and subject matter, and I’d suggest swinging the show at 291 Grand Street. To learn a bit more about the artist, I asked him to capture what a week in New York looks like from his perspective. Let’s take a look… —Annie Armstrong
The week started off with martinis at Fanelli’s and then we all headed over to the Magician. Seen here is Sebastian Gladstone mopping up a spilled drink with some bread. Asha Schechter, Jamian Juliano-Villani, Billy Grant, and Orlando Estrada in attendance.
Visiting Thomas McDonell’s show at Europa before it opened.
Hanging in my room at the Chelsea Hotel with Ella Yehros and Ellie Bean. Many thanks to Sebastian for setting me up at the hotel.
Later that night outside Sharlene’s with Nick and Tom McDonell.
Dinner at Le Veau d’Or the next evening with Sebastian Gladstone, Jess Revesz, and Adam Alessi. The house cocktail and frog legs were excellent.
Nate Freeman getting an early preview of the show.
Sebastian working hard, in his natural environment.
Later that night, Briar McQuilkin and I at Time Again many friends from L.A. in attendance, “The El Prado of NY.”
Stephen Salek, owner of my go-to oil paint, Vasari, gives me some mixing tips.
At the Queens Museum with Dalya Benor and Adam Alessi, taking in the massive scale model of New York that’s on permanent display there.
Tuesday night at Kordansky’s rooftop party… chatting with Benjamin Godsill, Thom McDonell, and Nate Freeman.
Dave Kordansky and Sebastian share a moment.
The night of my opening, many friends came by, thanks for all the kind words and love. Me with Kevin Hassett and Jake Bittle.
After party at the River with Paige Reifler and Calvin Marcus.
After to the after at Time Again with Jamian, Alex Marshall, and Calvin.
Recovering the next morning at Spa 88 with Nick Fisher, Adam, and Calvin. Not quite as good as our favorite L.A. spot—City Spa—but close!
Thanks to everyone that came by, hung out, or shared a drink. I love New York.