The Galleries that Made Manhattan Cool

Inventing Downtown provides a closer look into the evolution of artist-run galleries in Lower Manhattan from the early 1950s-to the mid 1960s. During this time period, artist flourished in the multicultural energy that filled the streets of New York City. Artist-run galleries provided the opportunity for underrated artist to build a space for themselves and create a community beyond the restrictions of the elite art world. The book explores 14 key spaces that thrived on exhibiting Pop, Minimalism, and performance and installation work.