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Book Review: 'Alternative Histories: New York Art Spaces, 1960 to 2010' Chronicles Artist-Run Initiatives

publication · 2026-04-20

In the January & February 2013 edition of ArtReview, a review by Melissa Rachleff discusses 'Alternative Histories: New York Art Spaces, 1960 to 2010,' a directory that builds on a 2010 Exit Art exhibition. This work highlights 140 artist-run spaces from 1928 to 2010, with a particular emphasis on the 1960s and 1970s, a period marked by dissatisfaction with commercial galleries. Influential figures such as Papo Colo, Jacki Apple, and Rhys Chatham are noted. The review underscores the political activism of the time, which contrasts sharply with contemporary career-oriented trends. Important spaces mentioned include 112 Workshop, the Kitchen, Artists Space, and Creative Time, along with A.I.R., a cooperative for women artists, Taller Boricua for Puerto Rican art, and Nyumba ya Sanaa, which supported the Black Power movement. The 1973 Scull collection auction is highlighted as a pivotal moment for alternative art models.

Key facts

  • The book 'Alternative Histories: New York Art Spaces, 1960 to 2010' profiles 140 artist-run spaces from 1928 to 2010.
  • It expands on themes from a 2010 exhibition at Exit Art.
  • Key contributors include artists Papo Colo, Jacki Apple, and composer Rhys Chatham.
  • Spaces like 112 Workshop, the Kitchen, Artists Space, and Creative Time reacted against commercial models.
  • A.I.R., Taller Boricua, and Nyumba ya Sanaa addressed neglect of women, Puerto Rican, and Black artists.
  • The 1973 Scull collection auction saw the first sale of a contemporary artwork for over $100,000.
  • Former Exit Art curator Melissa Rachleff contributed to the book.
  • The review was published in the January & February 2013 issue of ArtReview.

Entities

Artists

  • Papo Colo
  • Jacki Apple
  • Rhys Chatham
  • Dorothea Denslow

Institutions

  • Exit Art
  • Sculpture Center
  • Our Goods
  • 112 Workshop
  • White Columns
  • the Kitchen
  • Artists Space
  • Creative Time
  • A.I.R.
  • Taller Boricua
  • Nyumba ya Sanaa
  • ArtReview

Locations

  • New York
  • United States

Sources