Installation view of ‘Sleeping Beauties,’ exhibited at the New York Life Gallery in 2023. Photo credit: On White Wall, courtesy of New York Life Gallery
Adorning the entrance of 167-169 Canal Street is graffiti, accompanied by the address boldly inscribed in red block letters on the glass. Beyond this, a lengthy staircase ascends upwards. Upon being granted entry, I ascend five flights of stairs to a white-brick space. Natural light from New York’s winter sky streams in through the windows, offering views of Canal and Elizabeth streets below, as well as the skylight above. This is the setting of the New York Life Gallery, currently hosting its latest exhibition in a state of constant evolution.
Established in 2022 by photographer Ethan James Green, known for his work in publications like Vogue and Vanity Fair, the gallery was conceived as a hub for the existing creative energy within the space. Initially Green’s photography studio, the gallery also served as a collaborative space for visiting friends and colleagues. Green’s vision was not to create a conventional art gallery but rather an artist-driven, community-centric, and welcoming environment.
Drawing from his own experiences as a photographer, Green emphasizes the importance of artists having autonomy over the presentation of their work. He believes that “the artist always knows best” when curating their exhibitions. This principle stems from his meticulous approach to his own work and the frustration that arises when artistic vision is compromised.
Photographer Daniel Arnold, recognized by publications such as The New York Times and MTV, held his inaugural exhibition at the New York Life Gallery in late 2023. Arnold had refrained from showcasing his work previously due to a lack of spaces that resonated with his artistic identity. His experience at the gallery reflected a sense of community and collaboration that he had been seeking, allowing for a more experimental and authentic display of his art.
Green and gallery director Caroline Kelley approach exhibition concepts organically, collaborating with both emerging and established artists. The gallery’s inaugural show featuring the late artist Steven Cuffie’s work emerged from a spontaneous interaction with Green’s friend Marcus Cuffie. Similarly, an exhibition showcasing artist and illustrator Drake Carr’s drawings originated from Carr’s use of Green’s studio space for artistic endeavors.
The gallery’s current exhibition showcases a diverse collection of works from previous shows, including photography from Cuffie’s archives, illustrations by Carr, and selections from a group show of 20th-century painters, alongside Arnold’s photography. Embracing a non-traditional schedule, the gallery remains open Thursday through Saturday or by appointment, fostering a sense of freedom and creativity in its programming.
In addition to exhibitions, the gallery produces zines as a means of making art more accessible and affordable. These publications feature artists’ works and serve as collectible art pieces in their own right. Green envisions the gallery as a welcoming space for art enthusiasts of all ages, aiming to demystify the art collection process and encourage new collectors to engage with diverse works of art.