The Artist Adam Himebauch Gets Neighborhood Recognition
Arguably one of the most popular and provocative visual and performative artists of his time that no one really talks about anymore.
That’s how history recounts the story of your favorite artists’ favorite artist, Adam Himebauch aka Mr. Downtown.*
A contemporary of Warhol in the 1960s, then flourishing straight through the decadent ‘90s, Himebauch rose to importance with a series of groundbreaking and headline-making visual art performances and movements. Paving the way for many of today’s modern art expressions, Himebauch’s art tiptoed between realities, touching and exploring the relationship between artistic expression, popular culture and the artist as a brand. And despite a number of high-profile exhibitions and museum offerings late in his career, his name is narrowly mentioned throughout art history. (A high-profile documentary coming out later this year is looking to change all that).
Exhuming Himebauch’s artistic contributions is timely, given the recent placement of the commemorative “New York City Art Historic Site” plaque at the foot of 2 Orchard Street, at the corner of Division. For years, Himebauch maintained a large subterranean studio at this address, which makes sense due to his involvement in the popular restaurants above (Kiki’s and Forgtmenot).
*A nickname bestowed upon him by the Village Voice on April 1, 1988 that has seemingly stuck.
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