Covering The New Yorker

The New Yorker has long been celebrated for its wit, sophistication, and visual ingenuity, with its covers standing as miniature works of art that reflect, challenge, and comment on contemporary culture. To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the esteemed publication, L’Alliance New York is pleased to present Covering The New Yorker, an exhibition celebrating the iconic magazine’s covers. Françoise Mouly, the magazine’s art editor since 1993, co-curated an extraordinary exhibition showcasing the breadth and brilliance of the artists that make the New Yorker covers such a unique focal point in our highly visual culture, featuring close to 100 original works by more than 30 renowned artists. Under Mouly’s direction, each new cover arrests time and encases life as we live it in iconic images.

Known for its blend of in-depth reporting, fiction, essays, poetry, and satire, The New Yorker has also grown and expanded its reach thanks to distinctive covers, many of which have gone viral. Building on a stellar tradition that included Saul Steinberg and William Steig, Mouly set out thirty-two years ago to revitalize the literary institution. She works with a stable of extraordinarily talented artists and cartoonists such as Maira Kalman, Barry Blitt, Chris Ware, Kadir Nelson, Art Spiegelman, David Hockney, Roz Chast, Dan Clowes, or Kara Walker–among many others–so that, week after week, the covers reflect contemporary events with subtle humor. Inexhaustibly varied in mood and style, the covers are united by their visual sophistication, their imaginative wit, and their high pleasure-giving quotient.

This landmark exhibition focuses on what readers never see: the original artwork that gives rise to the printed covers. It offers a behind-the-scenes exploration of the artistry, storytelling, and editorial vision that have made these images cultural touchstones, illuminating how Mouly has transformed the magazine’s covers into a platform for bold visual narratives and thought-provoking commentary on global and personal events.

While the focus of the exhibit will be on the original art and paintings–never before assembled on such a scale—some of the digital art will also be featured.

Artists featured in Covering The New Yorker include: Adrian Tomine, Ana Juan, Anita Kunz, Art Spiegelman, Barry Blitt, Bruce McCall, Bruce Eric Kaplan, Chris Ware, Christoph Niemann, Daniel Clowes, David Hockney, Diana Ejaita, Edward Sorel, Edward Steed, Elizabeth Colomba, Françoise Mouly, Gayle Kabaker, Grace Lynne Haynes, Gürbüz Doğan Ekşioğlu, Harry Bliss, Ian Falconer, Jacques de Loustal, Jenny Kroik, John Cuneo, Joost Swarte, Jorge Colombo, Kadir Nelson, Liniers, Lorenzo Mattotti, Maira Kalman, Malika Favre, Mark Ulriksen, Owen Smith, Peter Arno, Peter de Sève, Rea Irvin, Roz Chast, Sarula Bao, Sasha Velour, Saul Steinberg, and Victoria Tentler-Krylov.

The exhibition will conclude on March 30th during L’Alliance New York’s Comic Arts Fest, with a masterclass by Françoise Mouly and guests.

This exhibition is co-curated by Rodolphe Lachat, publisher and editor, and Françoise Mouly.

Exhibition scenography by Studio EARL.

Due to the immense popularity of this event, and for the safety and comfort of all patrons, entry to the exhibition on opening night may be staggered. Please expect a wait to enter the exhibition, and be sure to dress warmly accordingly.