Ebony L. Haynes Has Been Named a New Director of the David Zwirner Gallery
Ebony L. Haynes, a former director of Martos Gallery in New York’s Chinatown and Shoot the Lobster in New York and Los Angeles, is joining David Zwirner as a director. In her new role, Haynes will be creating a brand-new commercial gallery and exhibition program. When Haynes was initially approached in January to join the gallery, she pitched dealer David Zwirner on more than a job. Haynes presented her vision for a Kunsthalle, a space that would operate like a commercial gallery but with the carefully considered programming of a museum. “Having worked in galleries for 10 years, I have always dreamt of working in some intersection between the gallery and the museum: a place that offers the time and space for a project to be seen and felt for longer than four to six weeks—time to ensure dialogue, critical engagement, and a publication, yet not removed from the art market,” says Haynes. “The art is for sale, but it doesn’t have to be so fast. The artist’s work deserves that space.”
The new endeavor is also a chance to create a pipeline into the art industry for young people of color. The new galley will have an all-Black staff and offer opportunities to Black students through an internship program. “I have also been dreaming of and advocating for much more inclusivity and accessibility for Black people in the art world, both on the gallery walls and in the offices,” Haynes says. “If you are white, you’ll never understand what it feels like to be the only one in the room and not feel completely welcome and encouraged to voice your opinions or to really add to the conversation. This is my opportunity to try and realize both of those dreams, and I hope to encourage a whole team of new colleagues and, as time goes on, ‘alums.’”
The programming, name, and location are still in the works, but Haynes and Zwirner are currently planning on three to four exhibitions per year. “I plan to program and curate exhibitions in line with my curatorial practice, interests, and what I think is important, with strong and thought-provoking art practices from artists you may be very familiar with, and some you may have never heard of,” says Haynes. “Most of the program will be solo presentations, though I do love a good group show.” A small publication will be produced alongside each show, and the gallery will host programming such as panel discussions and online content to allow viewers to further engage with the work.
While at Martos and Shoot the Lobster, Haynes organized exhibitions including Invisible Man, featuring the work of Torkwase Dyson, Kayode Ojo, Pope.L, and Jessica Vaughn; EBSPLOITATION, a Blacksploitation-inspired showcase of short films and videos; and The Worst Witch, a two-channel video and installation by Devin Troy Strother, Mandy Harris Williams, and Alima Lee. She also offers free art sessions for Black students interested in entering the art world through Cassandra Press.
In an Instagram post announcing her new position, Haynes notes that the new project is realizing a gallery model she’s been dreaming of for years. For the curator and dealer, the gallery felt like the right partner at the right time. “David Zwirner has always struck me as someone with the foresight and willingness to listen,” says Haynes. “Over the past few years, he has extended himself and his gallery beyond commerce. I think the gallery has and continues to build a legacy of cultural engagement, and for that reason, felt open and welcome for some exploration and for, what at that moment, for me felt like, a Hail Mary. In short, David Zwirner really listened to me.”
Haynes starts her role on October 1 and the New York Times reports that Haynes anticipates the gallery opening next spring.
Originally Appeared on Architectural Digest
