Ebony L. Haynes on Curating as Love Letters and the Future of 52 Walker
In an interview with Samaira Wilson, Ebony L. Haynes discusses her curatorial philosophy, describing exhibitions as love letters to artists. She reflects on her career from Shoot the Lobster to David Zwirner, where she now serves as Global Head of Curatorial Projects. Haynes emphasizes the importance of exhibition design, problem-solving, and collaboration. She shares insights from installing shows by Pope.L, Nicole Eisenman, and Isa Genzken, and explains how the 52 Walker program—originally a kunsthalle-within-a-gallery—will evolve as a traveling curatorial vibe across David Zwirner locations in New York, LA, Hong Kong, Paris, and London. Haynes advises aspiring curators to learn installation skills and to trust their own convictions rather than seeking external approval.
Key facts
- Ebony L. Haynes is Global Head of Curatorial Projects at David Zwirner.
- She previously worked at Shoot the Lobster, Martos Gallery, and David Zwirner.
- The 52 Walker program was launched as a kunsthalle-within-a-gallery model.
- Haynes curated shows by Nicole Eisenman and Isa Genzken at 52 Walker.
- She describes her curatorial practice as writing love letters to artists.
- The 52 Walker framework may travel to other David Zwirner locations globally.
- Haynes emphasizes hands-on installation experience for curators.
- She advises curators to avoid seeking opinions that might alter their vision.
Entities
Artists
- Ebony L. Haynes
- Samaira Wilson
- Pope.L
- José Martos
- Nicole Eisenman
- Isa Genzken
- Bob Thompson
- Cauleen Smith
- Virgil Abloh
- Rick Rubin
- Mahfuz Sultan
- Veronique Ansorge
Institutions
- David Zwirner
- Shoot the Lobster
- Martos Gallery
- 52 Walker
- Louis Vuitton
Locations
- New York
- Los Angeles
- Hong Kong
- Paris
- London
- Chinatown
- Tribeca
- Chelsea