Experimental Arts Nonprofit "times" Launches in Lower Manhattan

Earlier this month, "times," a 3,000-square-foot experimental arts space, opened in Lower Manhattan, aiming to explore the concept of temporality within the art world. Founded by Summer Guthery, former director of Canal Projects, and Francesca Sonara, a curator and philanthropist, "times" seeks to address the diminishing middle of the art ecosystem, where institutions often prioritize novelty and legacy over experimentation. The organization is designed to operate for a finite lifespan of three years, encouraging artists to focus on the immediacy of their work in response to pressing social, political, ecological, and democratic issues.

New York Observer

The inaugural programming began on February 12 with Jana Jacuka’s performance "HA," which examines laughter as a survival mechanism in intense situations. This was followed by Nina Beier’s first New York solo exhibition in seven years, featuring an installation of off-brand Cornetto-style ice cream cones that symbolize the artificiality of industrialized food systems. Upcoming projects will include works by artists such as Nadia Belerique, Asad Raza, Liv Schulman, and Gernot Wieland, alongside performances and screenings that emphasize the organization’s commitment to experimental and ephemeral practices.

New York Observer

Guthery and Sonara emphasize that the temporary nature of "times" allows for greater artistic freedom. They argue that knowing an organization is ephemeral can liberate artists from the pressures of legacy-building, enabling them to take risks and pursue experimental ideas. Sonara notes that this approach aligns with the theory of capitalist realism, suggesting that the future is often perceived as stagnant, thus advocating for immediate creative expression.

New York Observer

The founders do not view "times" as filling a void but rather as joining a lineage of small nonprofit and artist-run organizations that support experimental practices. They acknowledge the fragility of the current art ecosystem and aim to remind the community of the importance of supporting innovative artistic endeavors. Their programming is designed to reflect absurdity in response to chaos, allowing for humor and messiness in artistic expression.

New York Observer

Guthery and Sonara envision "times" as a catalyst for artistic exploration rather than a permanent fixture in the art world. They hope to foster an environment where artists can realize ideas that might otherwise lack support, ultimately keeping the space open for experimentation at a time when such opportunities are scarce. Success for "times" will be measured by the impact it has on artists and the extent to which it encourages risk-taking and creative freedom.

New York Observer

• “Knowing that the organization itself is temporary can shift the focus… toward the urgency of the present moment,” — Summer Guthery, Co-Founder of "times."

New York Observer

• “Let the internet do the heavy lifting of legacy-making, that’s what it’s best at.” — Francesca Sonara, Co-Founder of "times."

New York Observer

• “If, by the end, artists felt they were able to realize ideas that might not otherwise have found support, and if we helped keep space open for experimentation and risk at a time when that space feels increasingly scarce, that would feel like a real accomplishment.” — Francesca Sonara, Co-Founder of "times."

New York Observer

"times" represents a bold experiment in the art world, challenging traditional notions of permanence and legacy. By prioritizing immediacy and risk, it aims to support artists in navigating the complexities of contemporary issues through innovative and ephemeral practices.

New York Observer