artport has been quietly commissioning net art since 2001, which makes it one of the longest continuous records of how artists have used the web — from early browser experiments to work made for feeds and phones. More than 100 commissioned pieces are gathered here, shown in the gallery and online at once. If you remember Flash sites and want to see what artists did with them, this is the archive nobody else kept.
What to expect
Screen-based work dominates, so expect monitors, projections and interactive stations rather than framed objects, and give yourself time for pieces that unfold over minutes. Because the exhibition also lives online, you can carry on browsing after you leave. The pacing is closer to a reading room than a painting gallery.
Good to know
- Take the A/C/E or L to 14th Street and walk west toward Gansevoort Street.
- Screen-based art needs dwell time — allow longer than the room size suggests.
- Much of the show is accessible online too, which makes it a good rainy-day follow-up.
- Advance timed tickets are recommended for the Whitney generally.
- Interactive stations can queue at busy times; a weekday visit avoids the wait.
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Common questions
How many works are included?
More than 100 works commissioned specifically for the Whitney's artport platform.
When did artport launch?
In 2001; this exhibition marks its 25th anniversary.
Is the show only in the gallery?
No — it takes place both online and in the museum's galleries.
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