Ruff blew up compressed, degraded internet images until the pixel blocks themselves became the subject, which makes these among the strangest and most unsettling pictures made about that day. Seen at scale, they are less about the event than about how the event reached us. If you were in the city in 2001, or you think about how images circulate, this is a short, heavy half hour worth taking.
What to expect
One room, twelve works, hung large enough that the pixel grid resolves and dissolves depending on where you stand. The gallery is quiet and there is no interpretive fanfare beyond a press release at the desk. Give yourself time to walk toward and away from each picture, which is where the work actually happens.
Good to know
- Nearest trains: C or E to 23rd St, or the 1 to 18th St
- Subject matter is the 2001 World Trade Center attacks; go in knowing that
- A flat single-room gallery entered from the street; confirm access needs with the gallery
- Quietest on weekday afternoons; the room is small so crowds are felt
- Ask at the desk for the press release if you want the full context
- Best paired with the other West 19th and 20th Street shows the same afternoon
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Common questions
How many works are on view?
Twelve, all drawn from the jpegs ny subset of Ruff's larger jpegs series.
Is it free?
Yes, David Zwirner's galleries are open to the public without a ticket.
Have these been shown before?
This group of works was on view as part of Unlimited at Art Basel 2026 before travelling to New York.
More this weekend
