In a unique collaboration, the Whitney Museum has joined forces with Rashid Johnson and Dyani White Hawk to bring art into its restaurant spaces. Not content with simply designing the spaces and then filling them with art, the museum first sought out the artists to see what they could create. The result is a stunning art installation by Johnson called “New Poetry,” which stretches over 15 feet tall and contains plants, ceramics, books, and video monitors. Meanwhile, White Hawk is creating a wall of colorful ceramic tiles called “Nourish” for the museum’s eighth-floor restaurant. This innovative approach reflects the Whitney’s commitment to integrating art and food in a way that is both visually striking and intellectually stimulating.
Whitney Museum’s Commissioned Artworks for Restaurant Spaces
The Whitney Museum of American Art has partnered with artists Rashid Johnson and Dyani White Hawk to commission artworks for its cafe spaces. This collaboration not only provides a unique dining experience for visitors but also adds valuable pieces to the museum’s collection. Scott Rothkopf, the new director of the Whitney Museum, highlights the importance of artist collaboration in the creation of these spaces.
Frenchette Bakery Takes Over Ground Floor Space
The ground floor space at the Whitney Museum, formerly home to the Untitled restaurant, will now be occupied by Frenchette Bakery. This expansion will serve as a second branch of the popular TriBeCa-based bakery. Initially, the space will offer take-away fare, with plans for sit-down dining in the future.
Rashid Johnson’s Installation: ‘New Poetry’
Rashid Johnson’s installation, titled ‘New Poetry,’ is a prominent feature in the newly renovated Frenchette Bakery at the Whitney Museum. The installation stands at over 15 feet tall and spans nearly 30 feet wide and five feet deep. It consists of black steel shelves holding a range of elements, including plants, ceramic vessels, books, and video monitors displaying Johnson’s artwork. Positioned both indoors and outdoors, ‘New Poetry’ acts as a literal and imaginative portal to the restaurant.
Dyani White Hawk’s Installation: ‘Nourish’
Dyani White Hawk’s installation, named ‘Nourish,’ is a vibrant ceramic tile wall that will be installed in the museum’s eighth-floor space, formerly known as Studio Bar. Although the cafe is set to open in 2024, White Hawk’s artwork will be a permanent fixture. ‘Nourish’ is White Hawk’s largest work to date, spanning over 30 feet wide. It represents a series of firsts for the artist, including her first work in ceramic tile and her first commission for a museum installation. White Hawk collaborated with Minneapolis ceramics specialist, Mercury Mosaics, to bring her vision to life.
Rashid Johnson’s Plant-Filled Installations
Rashid Johnson is known for his installations incorporating plants, and his work for the Whitney Museum is no exception. For over a decade, Johnson has been creating plant-filled installations that serve as thought-provoking and visually striking pieces. Johnson’s installations aim to bring together disparate materials and information, fostering conceptual connections and new ways of thinking through their physical proximity.
Dyani White Hawk’s ‘Quiet Strength’ Series
Dyani White Hawk’s ongoing ‘Quiet Strength’ series is closely related to her commissioned installation, ‘Nourish.’ As a Sičangu Lakota artist, White Hawk seeks to center the Lakota aesthetic and challenge established narratives in her work. Her goal is to emphasize that abstraction predates the 1940s and 1950s and to educate viewers about the rich history of Lakota abstraction. The patterns in ‘Nourish’ hold tribal meanings, with hourglass forms symbolizing the connectivity between land and sky, as well as the human and spiritual realms.
Frenchette Bakery’s Expansion with Frenchette and Le Rock
Frenchette Bakery, known for its high-end Frenchette and Le Rock restaurants, is expanding with a second branch at the Whitney Museum. This expansion allows Frenchette Bakery to bring its delectable fare to museum visitors. While initially offering take-away options, there are plans to introduce sit-down dining in the future, providing an elevated culinary experience within the museum setting.
Collaboration with Modellus Novus
The Whitney Museum collaborated with New York architectural firm Modellus Novus for the cafe designs. Modellus Novus is responsible for creating the innovative and visually stunning spaces that complement the commissioned artworks. Their expertise in architectural design ensures that the cafes not only offer a delightful dining experience but also seamlessly integrate with the surrounding museum environment.
Dyani White Hawk’s ‘Genius Grant’ Recognition
Dyani White Hawk recently received a MacArthur Foundation award, commonly known as the “genius grant.” This prestigious recognition has had a significant impact on her career and further solidifies her artistic achievements. The commission to create a permanent installation for the Whitney Museum is a testament to White Hawk’s talent and the recognition she has garnered for her work.
Contextualizing Artistic Abstraction
Dyani White Hawk’s mission with her installation, ‘Nourish,’ is to center and highlight Lakota abstraction. White Hawk seeks to challenge the notion that abstraction originated solely in the 1940s and 1950s, and instead aims to shed light on its much earlier presence. The patterns in ‘Nourish’ hold narrative significance, representing a balance between the physical and spiritual realms. By exploring the meaning behind these patterns, viewers can gain a deeper understanding of the rich cultural heritage and artistic traditions of the Lakota people.
