Alex Gartenfeld

Alex Gartenfeld is the Artistic Director at the Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami (ICA Miami). He received a Bachelor of Arts in Art History from Columbia University and has been recognized internationally for his work with established and emerging contemporary artists.
Gartenfeld has been instrumental in spearheading solo presentations of various artists and has curated several significant exhibitions at ICA Miami, including "The Everywhere Studio" and "Fire Figure Fantasy."
 
He has also worked as an editor at Art in America magazine and served as a curator at the Museum of Contemporary Art, North Miami (MOCA). Additionally, Gartenfeld has been involved in selecting artists for prominent art events such as Art Basel in Miami Beach and has curated the New Museum Triennial in New York.
==Education==
Gartenfeld holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art History from Columbia University. 
==Career==
===Early Career===
Gartenfeld started his career at Brant Publications as an online editor for Interview and Art in America. Subsequently, he started curating contemporary art exhibitions and managing two Manhattan galleries within his residences.
 
During his tenure at Brant Publications, Gartenfeld, alongside Piper Marshall, co-founded Three’s Company, showcasing early works by artists like Tobias Kaspar, Asher Penn, Lisa Tan, Dan Graham, Nicolas Guagnini, John Miller, and Leigh Ledare. The gallery also hosted a developmental performance by Rich Aldrich and his band. Simultaneously, Gartenfeld curated exhibitions in various venues, collaborating with diverse artists.
 
In October 2010, Gartenfeld, alongside Haley Mellin, curated an inaugural exhibition for the New Jersey Museum of Contemporary Art.
 
In 2011, he initiated West Street Gallery, focusing on two- and three-person exhibitions by emerging artists. His curatorial work extended to shows for OHWOW Gallery in Los Angeles and Team Gallery's two SoHo locations.
 
In 2014, Gartenfeld assumed a curatorial role at MOCA North Miami and ascended to interim director within months.
===ICA Miami===
Following his tenure at MOCA North Miami, Gartenfeld played a pivotal role in establishing the Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami (ICA Miami). As the Artistic Director, he directs institutional and programmatic growth, including exhibitions, educational initiatives, public programs, and curating the museum's permanent collection.
Gartenfeld is dedicated to showcasing the importance of inclusivity in contemporary art. His approach fosters a dialogue between Miami’s art scene and global audiences. Under his leadership, ICA Miami promotes local artists and showcases global contemporary art. Gartenfeld promotes under-recognized artists and addresses pressing contemporary issues through innovative curatorial practices.
In December 2017, Gartenfeld co-curated the museum’s first exhibition in its permanent location, The Everywhere Studio. The exhibition explored the significance of the artist's studio from the post-war period to the present, featuring various works in painting, sculpture, video, and installation.
 
Gartenfeld also curated the "Fire Figure Fantasy" exhibition, which is ICA Miami’s first major exhibition to showcase its permanent collection, focusing on recent acquisitions. The exhibition revolves around ICA Miami’s collection, including social justice, newly emerging technologies, and recent global crises. It features works by various artists, such as Guadalupe Maravilla, Vaughn Spann, Hernan Bas, Tomm El-Saieh, Amani Lewis, and Jared McGriff, among others, reflecting diverse perspectives and addressing pressing issues.
 
At ICA Miami, Gartenfeld has curated exhibitions of work by leading contemporary artists, such as Ida Applebroog, Thomas Bayrle, Larry Bell, Judy Chicago, Shannon Ebner, John Miller, Paulo Nazareth, Virginia Overton, Pedro Reyes, Terry Adkins, Allora & Calzadilla, Donald Judd, Hélio Oiticica, Senga Nengudi, Sterling Ruby, Ettore Sottsass, Andra Ursuta, and others.
Under Gartenfeld's leadership, ICA Miami introduced new initiatives, including a design-focused exhibition series and the annual Ezratti Family Prize for Sculpture, supporting commissions for the museum's sculpture garden. Additionally, he spearheaded public and educational programs such as ICA SPEAKS and ICA PERFORMS, featuring lectures and residencies by prominent artists.
In 2018, Gartenfeld co-curated the New Museum’s fourth Triennial exhibition titled Songs for Sabotage alongside Gary Carrion Murayari, marking him as the first external curator appointed to this role by the New Museum.
In May 2023, Gartenfeld curated a selection of works by Steve Locke, Carlos Villa, Rosa Barba, and Betye Saar from the Frieze New York Viewing Room 2023.
 
Gartenfeld has also selected artists to watch at Art Basel in Miami Beach, such as Indian artist Avinash Veeraraghavan.
==References==
==External links==
* ICA Miami
Category:Living people
Category:American people
Category:American directors
Category:American curators