One November night, a gallery in Chinatown in Lower Manhattan hosted the opening of a show called “Bettina: New York 1965–86,” featuring rarely seen photographs and sculptures by an enigmatic artist who lived at the Chelsea Hotel until her death in 2021. The show was well received by young artists, critics, and curators, with the gallerists making sales right out of the gate.
The artist, Bettina, lived a reclusive life at the Chelsea Hotel and struggled to find recognition in the art world until a group of dedicated individuals, including gallerists Anya Komar and Alex Fleming, took on the mission to reframe her narrative and bring her art into the spotlight. After her death, her art caught the attention of others, including artist Yto Barrada, who showcased it in a group show at MoMA and curated an exhibition at Governors Island.
Ms. Komar, who plans to write her dissertation on Bettina, and Mr. Fleming, who once taught Bettina’s work to art students at Harvard, are now focused on representing Bettina’s estate and reframing her narrative. Their aim is to shift the conversation away from the stereotypes surrounding Bettina’s reclusive lifestyle and bring attention to her art, which had been overshadowed by these stories.
The gallerists have sold almost all the pieces from the exhibit, and enthusiasts of Bettina’s art are growing. The show has received positive reviews, and her work is now being appreciated by a new generation. This renewed interest in Bettina’s work is long overdue, especially considering her talent and the challenges she faced as a female artist in a male-dominated art world.
The gallery is set to continue displaying Bettina’s work until February 1st, and there are plans for an upcoming performance at the gallery called “Bettina Unboxing Day” – a testament to the artist’s renewed appreciation within the art community. Bettina’s legacy continues to live on as her art is finally given the recognition it deserves.
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