What's Happening?
A renovation project at the New York Studio School has led to the discovery of several long-forgotten murals, including an early work by British-born artist Cecily Brown and pieces commissioned by Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney from artist Robert E. Locher.
The school, a National Historic Landmark located in Manhattan's Greenwich Village, is undergoing a significant overhaul led by director Matthew Ritchie and architect Matthew Baird. The construction crew was specifically tasked with looking for hidden artworks after Brown mentioned painting a mural there in the 1990s and school archives contained photos of Locher's murals. Brown's mural, featuring abstract figures, was found in what will become an expanded gallery space, while two Locher murals were uncovered in an area designated for a new bathroom and hallway. The renovation aims to address structural issues, improve accessibility, and expand public exhibition spaces.
Why It's Important?
The discovery of these murals holds significant cultural and historical importance for the American art world. Cecily Brown is a renowned contemporary artist, and finding an early work from her student days provides valuable insight into her artistic development and the history of the New York Studio School. The unearthing of Robert E. Locher's murals, commissioned by Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, further connects the institution to its foundational history and the legacy of the Whitney Museum of American Art. These findings enrich the narrative of American art, offering tangible links to influential figures and periods. The preservation of these works, even with the challenge of integrating them into modern renovations, underscores the ongoing effort to maintain and celebrate artistic heritage within evolving urban landscapes.
What's Next?
The first phase of the renovation, which includes doubling public exhibition space and creating an accessible lecture hall, is expected to be completed this autumn. Phase two, which will involve further restoration and improvements like a student coffee bar, is scheduled to begin in the spring. The school plans to integrate the newly discovered murals into its updated facilities, with Brown's work being discreetly covered by a shallow cabinet in the new gallery to prevent distraction from other exhibitions. The Locher murals will be preserved within the new bathroom and hallway area, making it, as director Ritchie quipped, "the most historic bathroom in New York." Future plans also include a long-term goal of offering free tuition, which would require substantial endowment from donors.
Beyond the Headlines
The unearthing of these murals highlights the often-hidden layers of history within established institutions and urban structures. It raises questions about the preservation of ephemeral student works and the potential for significant art to be overlooked or forgotten within the fabric of buildings. The decision to integrate Brown's mural with a covering cabinet and to preserve Locher's works in a functional space like a bathroom reflects a pragmatic approach to historical preservation, balancing artistic value with practical utility and contemporary exhibition needs. This situation also underscores the importance of meticulous archival research and the unexpected rewards of careful renovation, revealing how physical spaces can hold untold stories and artistic legacies.
