Jae Joseph, a Curator in New York — The Remarkable Explorers Club

the Layover

As an artistic director and communications advisor, Jae Joseph has refined the fine art of using new media to craft narrative driven partnerships between artists and consumer brands. Most recently, he collaborated with 54Kibo, a design destination and e-commerce platform showcasing contemporary African design and craftsmanship, ranging from textiles to ceramics and home accessories.

Jae is an avid art patron who supports several museums such as PAMM, Studio Museum, MoMA, and the National Museum of African American History and Culture, which holds an audio/visual collection that includes part of his family history.

He has contributed to BBC America, Garage Magazine, NPR, The New York Times Magazine, and the Paris Review in addition to serving as Special Projects Editor for Cultured Magazine.

Jae… In a few words

I define myself as a patron of the arts, yet much of my path has been as an artist myself. My aspiration is to advance the arts through collaboration, forward-thinking partnerships, and diverse vehicles of cultural programming support.

I identify as British West Indian as well as Afro-Caribbean, belonging to the human race. Due to its rich history, Caribbean Basin is home to a melange of ethnicities, so West Indian or Caribbean people identify with a wide variety of ethnic groups.

Nyc… In a few words

New York City is a magical box of unpredictable treasures. You never know, from moment to moment, what is in store in for you.

New York Moment

The architecture of New York is beautiful and complex, encouraging me to observe and capture the relationship between space and the people who occupy it.

Recently, I was invited to a private viewing of SHoP Architects at 111 W. 57th Street, also known as the Steinway Tower. In the ride of an industrial lift, I was whisked up above Central Park with the most enchanting views to arrive at the door of one of New York’s most stunning residences, greeted by a glass of Krug. Nights such as these make you love and appreciate the city even more, especially when you leave moments like this to return to your humble Brooklyn pied-a-terre on the L train.

Where do we head for the BEST VIEWS?

My favorite view in the city is the Manhatta, with its breathtaking views overlooking the water. I equally love the landscape and meadows of Prospect Park in Brooklyn.

Where should we go for a bite?

Little Prince in Soho has the best ambiance, very reminiscent of the cafes I love in Paris. Then there is The Islands, a small quaint two-story eatery in Crown Heights that serves up a delight of the most authentic Caribbean dishes.

What is your dream weekend museum/gallery tour?

A dream weekend tour always means starting at the galleries in Chelsea, then making my way uptown toward MoMA and ending the night in Harlem after a visit to the Studio Museum.

What is your favorite place to have a drink?

I love champagne, so my go-to spot is the Champagne Bar at the Plaza Hotel which boasts hundreds of champagnes on its menu, it seems.

Where should we go dancing?

Any small dive bar in East Village is always good for dancing.

which artists should we keep an eye on this year?

Simone Leigh has had such a tremendous year in 2019, that I can only imagine the radical heights of her career in 2020. Artist Damien Davis, who recently had a sold out show at Untitled Art Fair with Latchkey Gallery looks to have a promising year, and I anticipate his museum show at Weeksville Heritage Center and solo show with directors of Latchkey Gallery, Natalie Kates and Amanda Uribe.

How is New York inspiring you in 2020?

In this new decade I’m looking forward to living intentionally, without fear, and being open to growth and evolution, embracing new ideas and practices. My desire is to further build and develop my own artistry in a manner that is not only seen and appreciated by others, but also feeds me both spiritually and creatively.