Jenny Wu's New York Art Column Reflects on Quiet Moments Amidst May's Fierce Fair Season

In her debut monthly column for ArtReview, Jenny Wu explores New York's vibrant art scene in May, utilizing Roland Barthes's ideas of studium and punctum. Major events like Frieze, NADA, TEFAF, and the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair attracted large audiences, while spring auctions at Christie's amassed $1.4 billion, even amid a ransomware incident. However, Wu focused on more intimate reflections. At Galerie Buchholz's 'Forks & Spoons' group exhibition, Shala Miller's 'Tender Notebook' (2016–24) showcased a poignant photograph of her mother with a Tupperware container, striking a personal chord. Meanwhile, Teresita Fernández's film 'Cuajaní' at Lehmann Maupin depicted two women in rural Cuba, highlighting an evocative moment. Additionally, Sandra Ono's 'Kaeru' at Bibeau Krueger featured mochi sculptures honoring her grandmother. On 3 May, protests against museums' roles in Palestinian genocide occurred at venues like the Whitney during its Free Friday Night event. Wu's column contextualizes these experiences within a month of significant social commentary in the art world.