In the heart of Tribeca, One Art Space honored Black History Month with a landmark February 2026 exhibition celebrating the visionary work of Purvis Young (1943–2010). The exhibition not only honored the late artist’s enduring legacy but introduced New York audiences to several previously unseen works—an intimate unveiling that felt both historic and deeply personal.
Curated by co-owner MaryAnn Giella McCulloh, the exhibition centered on Young’s emotionally direct visual language—raw, urgent, and spiritually charged. Known for his recurring motifs of angels, riders, cityscapes, and dreamlike figures, Young’s paintings speak to struggle and salvation in equal measure. His canvases carry the weight of social commentary while radiating hope, compassion, and the possibility of transcendence.
In speaking with MaryAnn Giella McCulloh and co-owner Mei Fung, it became clear that the decision to showcase Young during this centennial Black History Month was intentional and heartfelt. McCulloh described Young’s artwork as symbolic of hope and healing—born from his visions and his desire to respond to the world’s wounds with empathy and joy. “Purvis Young’s work offers something we all need right now,” Fung shared, emphasizing the artist’s unwavering belief in humanity despite systemic injustice and personal hardship. “He embodies Dan Giella’s legacy and our mission of bridging artistic giants from art history and artists of our future. And it was important for us to bring a prolific artist of Purvis Young’s magnitude to Tribeca for Black History Month.”
Purvis Young Guardian Angel
Young, who rose from humble beginnings in Miami’s Overtown neighborhood, created art that was both accessible and profound. Often working with found materials and painting on wood scraps, doors, and panels, he transformed discarded objects into sacred storytelling spaces. His work reflects themes of civil rights, spiritual resilience, and communal memory—bridging past and present with fearless honesty. “There is a wonderful sense of community with Purvis Young,” expresses McCulloh. “The Miami Fire Department would donate the color yellow to him and he would repurpose that into his paintings.”
The exhibition at One Art Space reaffirmed Young’s position within the canon of American art. His works are housed in permanent collections at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, and the Whitney Museum of American Art, among others. Yet this Tribeca showcase felt distinct—intimate in scale, expansive in spirit. “It was important for us to partake in Purvis Young’s legacy here at Tribeca. To open our doors and invite the community in – to see through our windows – this gift of angels and horses and his raw talent.”
NEW YORK, NY – FEBRUARY 4: Atmosphere at One Art Space Presents Purvis Young Exhibition at One Art Space on February 4, 2026 in New York. Atmosphere (Photo Credit: PMC / Michael Ostuni)
Opening night drew an eclectic and vibrant crowd of artists, collectors, cultural leaders, and friends of the gallery. Notable attendees included MaryAnn Giella McCulloh, Mei Fung, Billy McCulloh, Madison McCulloh, Grace Ji, Seong Kim, Shadesha Stevenson, Lauren Mariani, Mike Fredo, Mitch Rodbell, Bill McCulloh, Joe Giella, former boxing champions Iran Barkley and Vito Antufermo, Andrew McCulloh, Sabel Pinyol Blasi, Kele McComsey, Sanghee Gil, Lauren Marie, Teddie Sakellaridis, Aris Sakellaridis, Danny McCulloh, John Pannisi, Rowena Husbands, Tra’Lynn Husbands, Selig Sacks, Shirley Faison, and Eric Sacher.
Throughout the evening, guests moved thoughtfully through the gallery, pausing before the angels that seem to hover between earth and heaven—figures that have become synonymous with Young’s legacy. There was a shared understanding in the room: this was more than an exhibition. It was a meditation on resilience. A reminder that art can carry history forward while still daring to imagine a better future.
Frantz Lazarre, MaryAnn Giella McCulloh, Hyggens Remy (Photo Credit: PMC / Michael Ostuni)
