Two full floors of the newly expanded New Museum go to Arthur Jafa, including Love is the Message, The Message is Death, the Golden Lion-winning The White Album and brand-new work. Jafa cuts together found footage, music and images of Black American life into some of the most talked-about video art of the past decade. If you have only seen his work in clips online, this is the chance to feel it at full scale in the museum's first season after its expansion.
What to expect
Expect large-scale video and film installations alongside recent paintings, sculpture and photographs across the fourth and third floors. The show is named for the jazz drummer Tony Williams, and rhythm and editing drive the experience, so plan to sit through the longer video works rather than walking past them.
Good to know
- The New Museum is at 235 Bowery; the F at Second Avenue and the J/Z at Bowery are close
- Booking a ticket online ahead of a weekend visit saves time at the door
- Some video works deal with racial violence and may not suit young children
- Allow at least ninety minutes to watch the major video pieces
- Three other fall shows share the building, including The Bowery: Devil's Mile
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Common questions
Which famous works are included?
The New Museum lists Love is the Message, The Message is Death and The White Album, which won the Golden Lion, alongside premieres of new work.
Why is it called I Am Tony?
The title refers to the legendary jazz drummer Tony Williams.
Where in the museum is it?
It spans the fourth and third floors of the expanded building.
