Thread Benefit Exhibition

David Zwirner Gallery in New York opened a benefit exhibition to support the impressive work of Thread, a Senegal-based non-profit cultural center established in 2015.

James Welling, 0472, 2017. Courtesy the artist and David Zwirner, New York/London

David Zwirner opened a benefit exhibition in New York to support Thread, the Senegal-based non-profit cultural and community center established in 2015 by The Josef and Anni Albers Foundation. The exhibition will feature 28 works donated by 26 gallery artists and estates, as well as photographs by Giovanni Hänninen depicting Thread and its surroundings.

Tomma Abts, <i>Untitled</i>, 2017 — **Top:** James Welling, *0472*, 2017. Courtesy the artist and David Zwirner, New York/London. **Above:** Tomma Abts, *Untitled*, acrylic paint and brass rubbing wax on paper in four parts, 2017. Courtesy David Zwirner, New York/London

Thread is an artists’ residency and community center in Sinthian, a village in the southeastern region of Senegal with a population of nearly 1,000. The Josef and Anni Albers Foundation initiated the project in an isolated part of sub-Saharan Africa to allow painters, dancers, photographers, and other artists from all over the world, as well as from within Senegal, to pursue their own work while also interacting with the local community.

Wolfgang Tillmans, Freischwimmer 1, 2003 — Wolfgang Tillmans, *Freischwimmer 1*, 2003. Chromogenic print, courtesy David Zwirner, New York

Thread’s collaborative enterprises with the people of the region have grown significantly since its inception. Thread now provides agricultural training, and is home to an unprecedented cooperative of some 135 local women who grow and sell nutritious legumes and vegetables—thus eliminating, for the first time, hunger during the season of famine, while also providing income to its members. Thread has also become home to music and dance festivals, soccer tournaments, daily study halls, English classes, and village meetings. In addition, it offers a public a gathering place for the female population of Sinthian, as well as teenagers from the surrounding area.

Carol Bove, 2016 and R. Cumb, 2002 — Left: Carol Bove, *Untitled*, 2016. Collagraphic monotype. Courtesy the artist and David Zwirner New York/London. Right: R. Crumb, *Untitled*, 2002. Courtesy the artist, Paul Morris, and David Zwirner, New York/London

Since Thread has opened, the resident population of Sinthian has grown – the exact opposite of the prevalent trend of people moving away from the area and trying to emigrate. Thread has added inestimable vibrancy, sustainability, and joy to local life, creating bridges between the local inhabitants and the surrounding region with a global community of artists, writers, singers, rappers, dancers, food specialists, and designers.

Oscar Murillo, 2015 and Aline Kominsky-Crumb, 2007 — Left: Oscar Murillo, *exercises 11*, 2015. Oil and oil stick on paper. Courtesy the artist and David Zwirner, New York/London. Right: Aline Kominsky-Crumb, *What to wear in Post Modern Chaos? A Deep Look at a very serious Problem*, 2007. Ink, glitter, graphite, and acrylic on paper. Courtesy the artist, Paul Morris, and David Zwirner, New York/London

until 21 July 2017
Thread Benefit Exhibition
David Zwirner
533 West 19th Street, New York

Thread Benefit Exhibition

David Zwirner Gallery in New York opened a benefit exhibition to support the impressive work of Thread, a Senegal-based non-profit cultural center established in 2015.

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