MABE - PLACES: Art Guide to The Hamptons
While usually thought of as a playground for New Yorks summer set, The Hamptons has long been place of refuge for the cities plethora of Artists dating back the 19th century. It was the cities modernist movement that really saw the art scene explode in the 1950's and 1960's with the likes of Jackson Pollock, Le Corbusier and Willem and Elaine de Kooning calling it home. We checked out what this amazing area has to offer for the art lover today!
Longhouse Reserve – East Hampton
The gem in the Hamptons art crown has to be the Longhouse Reserve. This 16 acre sculpture garden is host to some of the biggest names in contemporary art including Ai Weiwie, Yoko Ono and William de Kooning. Founded by textile designer Jack Lenor Larsen whose designs became synonyms with the Modernist architecture of the 1950’s and 1960’s with his former home situated in the gardens. This place should not be missed as is a treat for the senses as you roam around these magnificent gardens discovering artwork from some of the greatest Artists of our time.
Southampton Arts Centre - Southampton
This community focussed arts centre brings together some of East New York’s best artists (of which there are many!) to create inspirational and thought provoking exhibitions. The current subject being explored is around digital media in the 21st century. Made up of many different works, in a plethora of mediums and from a huge number of artists is skilfully brought together in an explosion of colour.
Parrish Art Museum – Watermill
Situated between Southampton and Watermill, and designed by acclaimed architects Herzog & de Meuron. The somewhat unassuming building from afar is far from that once you step inside it’s graphicly designed concrete, wood and glass structure. Celebrating famed artists of the area both inside its cavernous interior and within its 14 acre grounds. Look out for the Pop Art totems by Roy Lichtenstein as you drive along the Montauk Highway.
Bridge Gardens - Bridgehampton
A hidden gem in the heart of Bridgehampton which is definitely worth a passing visit. These five acre public gardens are strewn with shining contemporary art sculptures with a guided audio tour available through your cell phone. As well as being a host to community vegetable plots, a large rose gardens and is a hub to find out more about what nature has to offer in the medicinal, and textile dying plants.
www.peconiclandtrust.org/our-work/projects/bridge-gardens
Madoo Conservancy – Sagaponack
Established by Artist, Writer and keen gardener Robert Dash in the 1960’s. It is now a living tribute to his work. A small but perfectly formed gardens is set around a central building where more about dash’s work can be seen.
The Church – Sag Harbor
A stunning 12,000 square foot modern art space that has been lovingly crafted inside a historic church dating back to 1832. The Church hosts exhibitions and talks from the many great artists, writers and thinkers of the New York area. Check their website to find out what’s on now!
We loved it, we hope you enjoy it too!