Rirkrit Tiravanija
September 19, 2025 – January 11, 2026 | Hudson River Museum, Yonkers
Drawing has always been fundamental to artists, offering great freedom to work out ideas, experiment with techniques, and create striking works of art in a wide range of media. In DRAW: Heat, fifty contemporary artists from across the United States, including Westchester County and the Hudson Valley region, explore the theme of “heat” in literal and metaphorical ways: the extreme heat caused by global warming, inequities of who is most affected by heatwaves, trends that make ideas “hot,” the passion behind an idea or argument, and even the perceived heat of contrasting ideologies. Utilizing the ephemerality and urgency of drawing, these works engage these moments and their contingent complexities.
DRAW: Heat showcases works by artists at various stages in their careers, from emerging to established, including Shanequa Benitez, Sanford Biggers, Erika Harrsch, William Kentridge, Shirin Neshat, Kiki Smith, Sarah Sze, Rirkrit Tiravanija, and Kara Walker. The artworks—ranging from small sketches and prints to large-scale drawings, murals, sculptures, and projections—are displayed salon-style, echoing the dynamic, interconnected exchanges found in artists’ studios and informal critiques. This curatorial approach fosters an immersive and entwined experience, guiding viewers through diverse artistic perspectives that flow from abstraction to observation to conceptualism.
The exhibition is curated by artist, educator, and activist Tomas Vu, with Brian Novatny, Predrag Dimitrijevic, and HRM’s Laura Vookles serving as curatorial advisors.