New York Magazine Launches Public Art Project in NYC Featuring 50 Unique Covers

“My New York Artist Covers: Alex Katz.” Image courtesy of the artist and New York Media.

Earlier this week, New York Magazine launched its year-long public art exhibition in collaboration with 50 renowned artists, including works from Barbara Kruger, Yoko Ono, Hank Willis Thomas, and John Giorno. “50 New York Covers: A Public Art Project,” which celebrates the magazine’s 50th anniversary, will be unveiled in batches over the coming months throughout the five boroughs and in a variety of formats, such as on street lamps or “wild postings” on walls around the city. The project will culminate in October 2018 with a gallery exhibition containing all 50 of the works by participating artists.
So far, eight covers have been displayed around the city, by Mel Bochner, John Giorno, Alex Katz, Barbara Kruger, Marilyn Minter, Yoko Ono, Rob Pruitt, and Hank Willis Thomas. Several pieces are minimalistic while others are more politically-minded, yet all embody the project’s goal of going “beyond the magazine’s own history to tell many of the countless individual stories people have about their city, as well as the remarkable comeback story of the city itself.”
Below are the first specially designed covers that can be seen:

“My New York Artist Covers: Barbara Kruger.” Image courtesy of the artist and New York Media.

“My New York Artist Covers: Marilyn Minter.” Image courtesy of the artist and New York Media.

“My New York Artist Covers: John Giorno.” Image courtesy of the artist and New York Media.

“My New York Artist Covers: Mel Bochner.” Image courtesy of the artist and New York Media.

“My New York Artist Covers: Rob Pruitt.” Image courtesy of the artist and New York Media.

“My New York Artist Covers: Hank Willis Thomas.” Image courtesy of the artist and New York Media.

“My New York Artist Covers: Yoko Ono.” Image courtesy of the artist and New York Media.

Keep an eye out for the remaining 42 covers and occasional free posters that will begin to appear around the city, including works by Nina Chanel Abney, Maurizio Cattelan, Will Cotton, Kerry James Marshall, and Rirkrit Tiravanjia. The rest of New York Magazine’s “My New York” anniversary celebration campaign will include art, music, comedy, film, and foods events that will be announced throughout the year.

Image courtesy of New York Magazine.

Image courtesy of New York Magazine.

Image courtesy of New York Magazine.

Next, check out some new public art installations that are soon to arrive in the city, such as the world’s largest gender equality art project or the soon-to-be-decided sculpture in the center of Chinatown.