An art gallery in the middle of a building devoted to baseball may strike some as a culture clash, but Major League Baseball will try to change that view with the launch of the M.L.B. Fan Cave Art Gallery on April 4 in Manhattan.
The gallery’s first featured artist will be Thierry Guetta a k a Mr. Brainwash, who was the subject of the Banksy film “Exit Through the Gift Shop.†In a phone interview on Monday, Mr. Guetta said that while he was not a baseball fan per se, he wanted to contribute to the gallery because, “Baseball is a part of America. It is something important and brings joy to people.â€
Due to time constraints, Mr. Guetta said only two pieces would be baseball-themed. “I had a piece that I twisted into baseball and there was one that was made for the show,†he said.
Other contemporary artists, who are yet to be announced, will follow Mr. Guetta and their work will be on display throughout the rest of the baseball season. The curator of the gallery will be Kerri Lisa, who starred in the reality television series “Gallery Girls†on Bravo.
Established in 2011, the M.L.B. Fan Cave on 4th Street and Broadway has been host to baseball fan events, player interviews and a concert series. Nine fans also live in the building and watch every Major League Baseball game for an entire season. They then create videos, blogs and other digital content to chronicle their experiences.
Art buffs and baseball statheads can visit mlbfancave.com for more information.
