Paul Tschinkel: Capturing the Spirit of New York’s Art Scene

Early Life and Education

Paul Tschinkel, a renowned painter and video artist, earned his Master of Fine Arts from Yale University. In the early 1970s, he shifted his focus to video art, becoming one of the first artists to produce a weekly program on New York’s cable television. His program, Paul Tschinkel’s Inner-Tube, aired from 1974 to 1984, featuring conceptual programming, collaborations with other artists, exhibitions, and performances by punk and no-wave bands from the late 1970s and early 1980s.

ART/new york: A Video Series on Contemporary Art

In 1979, Tschinkel launched ART/new york, a groundbreaking video series dedicated to contemporary art. This unique series provided audiences with a closer look at the dynamic New York art scene, featuring major exhibitions and interviews with influential artists, critics, curators, and dealers.

Over the past 35 years, ART/new york has documented the evolution of contemporary art, focusing on renowned artists such as Louise Bourgeois, Eric Fischl, and Robert Mapplethorpe. Each episode offers an insider’s view of galleries, museums, and studios, making the series a vital resource for understanding the development of visual arts.

Legacy and Influence

Tschinkel’s works have been showcased at prestigious institutions, including the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), and the National Gallery of Art. His comprehensive documentation of the art and music scenes in New York City during pivotal decades has preserved a dynamic cultural landscape, making his contributions invaluable to the history of contemporary art.

Analysis of Selected Works

Paul Tschinkel’s Inner-Tube: The Birth of Conceptual Video Art

This weekly program captured the zeitgeist of the late 20th century through its experimental approach. A blend of performance art, live music, and gallery exhibitions, Inner-Tube is considered a precursor to MTV. The show’s innovative style not only highlighted underground music scenes but also expanded the scope of video art by bridging the gap between conceptual art and popular culture.
One of the standout episodes features a live performance by the punk band DNA. The raw, unfiltered energy of the performance contrasts with Tschinkel’s deliberate editing style, which emphasizes the chaotic yet creative spirit of the era.

ART/new york Episode on Louise Bourgeois

This episode dives into the artistic world of Louise Bourgeois, offering a rare glimpse into her studio and creative process. Tschinkel’s approach emphasizes her introspective personality, allowing viewers to understand the psychological depth behind her sculptures. By focusing on her own words and gestures, the documentary captures the essence of Bourgeois’ art as an extension of her life experiences.

Louise Bourgeois

Robert Mapplethorpe: The Eye of Photography

Tschinkel’s exploration of Robert Mapplethorpe’s work highlights the photographer’s daring aesthetic and controversial themes. The episode reflects Mapplethorpe’s ability to challenge societal norms through interviews and exhibition footage. Tschinkel’s skillful narrative allows the viewer to appreciate the duality of Mapplethorpe’s work: its striking beauty and its provocative commentary on identity and sexuality.

Robert Mapplethorpe

Further Exploration

For those interested in Paul Tschinkel’s work, the ART/new york series is available for streaming, providing a comprehensive look into contemporary art through the eyes of a pioneering documentarian. Each episode serves as both a historical record and a creative endeavor, solidifying Tschinkel’s legacy in the art world.