Much of the art world revolves around questions of value, not just in terms of appraisals and price tags, but also: what is worth your time in These Times, and your energy, your attention, and yes, your hard-earned money?
What calculations do you make to determine the meaning and value of something? What moves you? What enriches your life? In this new series, we ask individuals in the art world and beyond about the assessments they make on a personal level.
Ethan James Green is the definition of a cultural hyphen. Famous for his bold yet stylish eye as a fashion photographer, Green recently won awards for his effervescent, just-enough Barbie portrayal of Margot Robbie, for vogueSummer 2023 cover. He also made headlines this summer for an entirely different endeavor – his curation of the exhibition”sleeping beautiesin his New York Life gallery, which he founded in Chinatown in the fall of 2022.
“Sleeping Beauties” brought together a collection of historical paintings in figuration and portraiture by artists whose contributions to 20th-century American art have been largely overlooked. Among the exhibit’s finds was the work of Helen Hatch Inglesby, an American artist who painted captivatingly tender portraits, as well as that of Russian-born American artist Raphael Soyer, whose moody paintings evoke a more visceral Hopper-like world.
Meanwhile, this summer, Green also launched Collect, an online platform that offers works by well-known and unrecognized historical artists at a number of prices.
When he’s not behind the camera or in the gallery, Green can be found connecting people from his various Venn diagrams of interests, lending his support to protecting the trans community and explore downtown Manhattan.
Recently, we caught up with Green and found out what he values in art and life, and why.
What’s the last thing you splurged on?
A painting by Arthur B. Davies.
What are you saving for?
More 20th Century American Paintings.
What would you buy if you found $100?
I would tip with it!
What makes you feel like a million bucks?
My Serge Lutens perfume.
Daniel Arnold, Untitled (2017). Courtesy of Ethan James Green.
What do you think is your greatest asset?
My approach to problem solving.
What do you appreciate most in a work of art?
When it feels alive and can stand the test of time.
Who is an emerging artist worthy of everyone’s attention?
Drake Carr is the complete package.
Who is an unknown artist who has not yet received his due?
David Armstrong deserves it all.
Installation view of ‘Sleeping Beauties’, 2023. Courtesy of New York Life Gallery.
What do you think is the most overrated thing in the art world?
White frames.
What is your most valuable asset?
My family ring. I hate taking it off.
What was your best investment?
My Thomas Hart Benton painting.
What is something small that means the world to you?
Handmade gifts from friends.
Raphael Soyer, Nude lying in bed (1945). Courtesy of Ethan James Green.
What’s not worth the hype?
Concrete and reclaimed wood as a concept of luxury.
What do you think is a good cause?
To make this world a safer place for the trans community.
What do you aspire to?
I want to work with my generation to bring New York to its full potential. I’ve always loved the who-is-who energy and I can say that I’m surrounded by a lot of amazing people.
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