Art in Transition: A New Generation of Visionaries Unveiled at Salmagundi Club’s “Known & Unknown”

A Dynamic Moment for Art in New York

In a city where tradition meets innovation on every corner, the Salmagundi Club—a bastion of American artistic legacy—once again proves its cultural relevance with Known & Unknown, a juried exhibition that promises to be one of the season’s most compelling events. Running through May 16, 2025, the show highlights the evolving voices of artists under 35, providing a rare and thrilling glimpse into the dual lives of emerging talent. For seasoned collectors and curious newcomers alike, this exhibition is not just a show—it’s an intimate conversation with the future of art.

The Concept: Tradition Meets Experimentation

What makes Known & Unknown truly exceptional is its carefully curated format: each selected artist is represented by two works—one steeped in classical training and another that ventures into the experimental. The “known” speaks to the artist’s fluency in traditional techniques, often honed through academic rigor and disciplined studio practice. The “unknown” challenges that foundation, pushing boundaries through unorthodox media, unconventional subject matter, or radical new forms.

This mirrored display does more than showcase technical ability; it invites us to witness the very moment of transformation—when an artist begins to deviate from the well-trodden path and chart their own. It’s a format that offers more than aesthetic pleasure; it offers insight into risk-taking, evolution, and courage.

Flo De Giovanni Pacini - The Spirit of Hope

A Showcase of Boundless Mediums and Voices

Visitors to Known & Unknown can expect to see a rich diversity of artistic media—paintings, photography, sculpture, mixed media, and beyond. This variety is not simply decorative; it reflects the real pluralism of today’s art world, where boundaries between mediums are more porous than ever.

More importantly, this exhibition brings together artists who, despite their youth, exhibit a command of craft that rivals that of many seasoned professionals. Their works, whether rooted in figurative painting or breaking ground through conceptual abstraction, are unified by a clear sense of purpose and ambition. These are creators for whom art is not just expression, but inquiry.

Meet the Artists: Stories Behind the Canvas

Tonight’s opening reception offers more than a viewing opportunity—it’s a portal into each artist’s personal narrative. Attendees will have the chance to engage with the creators behind the works, learn about their processes, and hear directly about the tensions and triumphs that shaped their dual submissions.

These conversations often reveal as much as the artwork itself. You may find that a meticulously rendered oil portrait is paired with a chaotic digital collage born of grief or joy. Or that a minimalist sculpture made of steel and stone coexists with an ephemeral installation of thread and shadow. The juxtaposition is not just aesthetic; it’s psychological, emotional, and philosophical.

Collectors Take Note: Art with a Narrative Edge

For collectors, Known & Unknown is more than a treasure trove of original art—it’s a chance to invest in artists at the very cusp of their careers. Each work in this show is not only a standalone piece but also part of a larger story—one that tracks an artist’s development, ambition, and willingness to take creative risks.

The dual-format structure offers unique insight that is rarely available to collectors: you don’t just see what an artist can do, you see where they’re going. This foresight makes every acquisition a meaningful one, whether you're building a serious collection or buying your first piece.

Moreover, by purchasing works from this exhibition, you’re doing more than investing in art—you’re directly supporting artists at a formative moment in their lives and careers. In today’s rapidly shifting art economy, that kind of patronage is not just generous; it’s vital.

Why You Should Attend Tonight’s Reception

Art is best experienced in the presence of those who make it. Tonight’s reception offers the rare privilege of meeting this new generation of artists face-to-face, discussing their work over a glass of wine, and perhaps discovering a piece—or a story—that resonates deeply with you.

This is not merely a social event, but a cultural moment: a celebration of fresh vision, of artistic bravery, and of the timeless dialogue between tradition and innovation. Whether you're a collector, a fellow artist, or simply someone who values creativity, your presence tonight contributes to that dialogue.

And if you fall in love with a piece, you can make it yours—on the spot.

Why This Exhibition Matters

Known & Unknown is not just another gallery show—it’s a living testament to the vitality of emerging talent and a rare opportunity to trace the lineage of artistic evolution in real-time. It captures the pulse of a generation unafraid to honor tradition while disrupting it, to celebrate the known while boldly embracing the unknown.

In a world increasingly defined by flux, uncertainty, and reinvention, the works in this show remind us that art is both anchor and compass. These young creators are not simply making things—they are making meaning.

Their courage deserves your attention. And if you can't make it tonight, the exhibition will run until May 16. Visit salmagundi.org for hours and additional information.

About the Salmagundi Club NYC

Founded in 1871, and located at 47 5th Avenuek, the Salmagundi Club is one of New York City’s oldest and most revered art institutions. Housed in a historic brownstone in Greenwich Village, it has long been a hub for artists, collectors, and connoisseurs. Its mission is to promote the knowledge, practice, and appreciation of the visual arts through exhibitions, classes, lectures, and community engagement. With Known & Unknown, the Club reaffirms its commitment to nurturing new talent while honoring its legacy—a perfect union of past, present, and future.

Cover image by Elena Bria - Dolce far niente

Article by Joseph Ralph Fraia - @jrfstudio - jrfstudio.com