The New Museum in New York has announced that Massimiliano Gioni, its artistic director since 2014, will take over as the institution's director starting August 1. He succeeds Lisa Phillips, who retired after 26 years in the role, following her announcement last September.
New Museum board president James-Keith Brown expressed excitement over Gioni's appointment, stating, “After an extensive international search, we are thrilled to announce Massimiliano Gioni’s appointment as steward of the New Museum in its next chapter.” He praised Gioni's contributions over the past two decades, noting his pivotal role in evolving the museum into a leading destination for contemporary art.
Massimiliano Gioni's Impact on the New Museum
Gioni joined the New Museum in 2006 as a curator and was elevated to artistic director in 2014. During his tenure, he has curated numerous influential exhibitions, including the inaugural New Museum Triennial in 2009, titled “The Generational Triennial: Younger Than Jesus.” Other significant exhibitions he has curated include:
- “After Nature” (2008)
- “Ostalgia” (2011)
- “Here and Elsewhere” (2014)
- “The Keeper” (2016)
- “New Humans: Memories of the Future” (current exhibition)
In 2021, Gioni collaborated on “Grief and Grievance: Art and Mourning in America,” one of Okwui Enwezor’s final exhibitions. His work has showcased significant contemporary artists, including Judy Chicago, John Akomfrah, and Faith Ringgold.
International Recognition and Leadership
Beyond the New Museum, Gioni has directed several prestigious international biennials, such as the 2013 Venice Biennale and the 2010 Gwangju Biennale. His leadership has extended to collaborations with various collector-founded organizations, enhancing his reputation in the global art community.
Brown further emphasized Gioni's visionary qualities, stating, “Massimiliano is a visionary curator and will make an exemplary director, embodying what this institution’s founder, Marcia Tucker, once described as ‘a truly great person with a profound curiosity about the world.’”
Gioni's Vision for the Future
In his statement, Gioni expressed gratitude to the museum’s board and selection committee for the opportunity to lead the institution. He remarked, “It is a tremendous honor to be asked to lead the New Museum, following in the steps of giants like Marcia Tucker and Lisa Phillips.” Gioni views his appointment as a collective recognition of the museum's staff and supporters who have contributed to its esteemed legacy.
As Gioni prepares to take the helm, the New Museum is poised for a new era, particularly with the expansion of its campus, which Brown described as an exciting opportunity for growth and innovation in the contemporary art landscape.
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