Celebrity Architect’s UES Carriage Home Hosts Public Art Show

In a rare fusion of art and architecture, a historic Upper East Side carriage house is now open for a limited public art exhibition titled “Urhobo + Abstraction.” The building was renovated by celebrated architect David Adjaye.

Hosted by art dealer Adam Lindemann, this unique presentation celebrates African artistic heritage and architectural transformation. The event offers visitors a glimpse into the intersection of art, culture, and design, set against the backdrop of an “eccentric concrete château.”

Revealing a Hidden Architectural Marvel

Designed by Ghanaian-British architect David Adjaye, the 1898 carriage house on East 77th Street stands as an example of architectural reinvention. The building’s historical façade remains intact, while the interior underwent a meticulous renovation in the late 2000s.

Adjaye’s blend of bold modernism and respect for history transformed the space into what critics call an “eccentric concrete château.” This combination of old and new makes the carriage house a notable part of Upper East Side architecture.

A Showcase of African Art and Heritage

The “Urhobo + Abstraction” exhibition is a curated journey through African art. It features five rare life-size sculptures from the Urhobo people of southern Nigeria.

These carvings, dating from the 19th and early 20th centuries, have never been displayed together in the United States before. This makes the exhibition a significant moment for African craftsmanship.

Lindemann complements these traditional works with pieces by contemporary masters of African descent, including:

• El Anatsui – Known for large-scale installations made from discarded aluminum and copper wire.
• Alma Thomas – Celebrated for her vibrant abstract paintings.
• Jack Whitten – Renowned for his innovative techniques in abstract art.

A Strategic Tie to Cultural Celebrations

The timing of “Urhobo + Abstraction” aligns with the anticipated reopening of the Metropolitan Museum’s Rockefeller Wing. This wing houses art from sub-Saharan Africa, Oceania, and the Americas.

Lindemann invites art enthusiasts to see and appreciate the diversity of African heritage in different settings. The exhibition bridges the gap between private and public exploration of African art.

Collaboration with Experts

Lindemann collaborated with Bernard De Grunne, former head of Tribal Art at Sotheby’s. De Grunne helped obtain the five Urhobo sculptures for the exhibition, ensuring their cultural authenticity and historical significance.

Free Access to a Rare Experience

This exhibition is free and open to the public. It runs Mondays through Thursdays, from noon to 3 p.m. until June 13.

Visitors can explore the blend of architecture and art at no cost. While none of the works are for sale, Lindemann hopes the exhibition will engage both art lovers and architecture enthusiasts.

A Look Inside the Carriage House

The carriage house itself is a major draw. Its transformation, documented in a coffee table book published by Rizzoli, highlights Adjaye’s skill in blending historical and modern elements.

For many visitors, the chance to see inside this private, architecturally significant residence is as enticing as the art on display. Lindemann welcomes both art-seekers and design enthusiasts to experience the space.

Why You Should Visit

Whether you’re drawn by David Adjaye’s architectural ingenuity or captivated by the history behind the Urhobo sculptures, “Urhobo + Abstraction” is an event that shouldn’t be missed.

This is a rare chance to experience world-class art and innovative design in one place. You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with cultural stories that span continents and centuries.

If you seek inspiration or want to see how architecture and art influence our world, this Upper East Side gem offers a memorable experience.

See the exhibition before it closes on June 13.

 
Here is the source article for this story: An UES carriage home from a celebrity architect opens up for a public art show