“What Remains: Documents from the Creative Time Archive” on Display at NYU’s Fales

By Barbara Jester

An exhibition entitled “What Remains: Documents from the Creative Time Archive,” showcasing the history of public art in New York City, opens at NYU’s Fales Collection on Oct. 4.

Consisting of more than 90 photographs, documents, and videos covering Creative Time’s activities during its first 25 years, “What Remains” includes images of the well-known installations “Art on the Beach” (1978-84), which fostered collaborations between visual artists, architects, and performing artists at the Battery Park City Landfill; and “Art in the Anchorage” (1983-2001), which drew thousands to the majestic chambers of the Brooklyn Bridge Anchorage.

The archive, acquired recently by the Fales Collection, comprises more than 30 linear feet of materials.

“It is a treasure trove for anyone interested in the history of public art, in the history of New York City during the 1970s and 1980s, or in the history of performance art,” says Marvin Taylor, director of Fales. “We are honored that the board of Creative Time chose to donate their papers to Fales. Along with the Harold and Joyce Pomeroy Schwartz Public Art Archive and the Downtown Collection, Fales is becoming a center for the study of public art.”

Founded in 1974, Creative Time has a long history of commissioning, producing, and presenting adventurous public artworks of all disciplines. Creative Time’s pioneering spirit, embrace of artistic innovation, and commitment to New York City has earned the organization the reputation as the vanguard public arts presenter.

On display through Dec. 14, the exhibition is free and open to the public. Gallery hours are Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. For further information, call 212-998-2596.