Well, this is a plot twist no one saw coming, unless you've been paying attention to the New Museum for, say, the last two decades. Massimiliano Gioni, who has basically been the artistic pulse of the place since 2006, is officially stepping into the big chair as the museum's new director.
He's set to take the reins on August 1, inheriting a rather impressive legacy from Lisa Phillips, who retired last September after a solid 26 years at the helm. Apparently, the global search for her replacement ended right where it started, which is both efficient and, if you think about it, a testament to Gioni's enduring impact.
James-Keith Brown, the New Museum's board president, noted Gioni's "essential role" in turning the museum into a contemporary art powerhouse. Through a mix of boundary-pushing exhibitions, clever partnerships, and a Rolodex that probably spans continents, Gioni helped cement its reputation as a must-see.
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Start Your News DetoxGioni's Greatest Hits (So Far)
He started as a curator in 2006, then leveled up to artistic director in 2014. Since then, he's been the mastermind behind some truly memorable shows. Remember the New Museum Triennial? That was Gioni's brainchild, kicking off in 2009 with the wonderfully audacious title "The Generational Triennial: Younger Than Jesus." Because, why not aim for existential dread right out of the gate?
He also gave us major themed explorations like "After Nature" (2008) and "Ostalgia" (2011), along with solo deep dives into the minds of artists like John Akomfrah, Lynda Benglis, Judy Chicago, and Faith Ringgold. And his current exhibition, "New Humans: Memories of the Future," is perfectly timed to coincide with the museum's expansion, because apparently, Gioni doesn't just curate art; he curates institutional growth.
Beyond his New York home base, Gioni has also moonlighted as director for international art heavyweights, including the 2013 Venice Biennale and the 2010 Gwangju Biennale. He's basically the art world's most in-demand DJ, spinning tracks at all the hottest global parties.
Brown, clearly thrilled with the internal promotion, called Gioni a "visionary curator" and quoted the museum's founder, Marcia Tucker, saying Gioni possesses "a profound curiosity about the world." Which, if you're going to lead a contemporary art museum, seems like a pretty useful trait to have. He added that Gioni is the perfect fit for the museum's "new era and expanded campus." No pressure, Massimiliano.
Gioni, for his part, expressed gratitude and called it an honor to follow in the footsteps of Tucker and Phillips. He sees his appointment as a vote of confidence in the entire institution and its staff. Which, let's be honest, is a lovely way to say, "We're just going to keep doing what we've been doing, but now I'm officially the boss."
