HomeARTSDatuna Art Space opens...

Datuna Art Space opens in Long Island City, joining neighborhood’s heritage of non-traditional Art Spaces

(New York, NY – Monday, June 24) – Datuna Art Space held its grand opening Thursday, June 20th from 6pm to 10pm. Founded by acclaimed artist David Datuna and housed in a repurposed taxi cab garage, it is one of the largest privately-owned art centers in Long Island City.

(Upper Left, Marina Dojchinov; Upper Right, Ja’dee Murphy dances with guest; Lower Left, part of the opening installation, Lower Right, David Datuna poses in front of a piece from his series “Portrait of America”)

 

Piece from Opening Installation _ Credit Anastasiia Davydova

More than 600 people attended the event on Thursday evening, many from the surrounding neighborhood, while notable guests included Richard Mazda, Executive Director of LIC Arts Open; Ja’dee Murphy, Marina Dojchinov, Frankie Silver, Anthoula Katsimatides, Tatum Peacock, and Michele Peacock.

Ja’dee Murphey with Guest

 

Marina Dojchinov._Credit Anastasiia Davydova

Datuna Art Space was built to be part of the cultural fabric of Long Island City, welcoming walk-ins and presenting a program of community-focused events. The center is scheduled to present up to six shows per year. Datuna’s goal was to create a space that pushes the boundaries of conceptual art by providing a home for nontraditional endeavors. In our current social and political landscape, the aim is to showcase the common denominator, our shared humanity, through art. Datuna hopes to promote understanding of diverse global perspectives in artwork that would not be shown in most galleries.

The opening exhibition includes both new and historic pieces from Datuna, including the interactive installation ‘Cloning Eternity’ recently installed in Washington Square Park  a piece from his Smithsonian-recognized ‘Portrait of America’ flag series, as well as a selection of his signature portraits. The exhibition will remain on display until July 20, 2019.

David Datuna said, “Long Island City has a long history of creating alternative spaces that foster non-traditional creativity. I’m humbled to be in the same neighborhood that was once the home of spaces like 5 Pointz, and I’m looking to continuing a tradition of producing and showcasing art that delivers powerful messages about the human experience.”

Guest Examining Portrait of America _ Credit Anastasiia Davydova

About David Datuna

David Datuna is focused on the convergence of art and social consciousness and known for work that advances individual freedom. His signature technique is a network of positive and negative optical lenses suspended over a large-scale layered, collaged and painted image, and he has exhibited at Art Basel Miami Beach, Lincoln Center, New York, Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery.

In 2013 he was the first artist in the world to utilize wearable technology in a contemporary work of art on a monumental scale with ‘Portrait of America,’ which debuted during Art Basel Miami Beach 2013 at The New World Symphony, before going to the Lincoln Center, New York. In 2014, the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery featured the work, where record-breaking 27,000 visitors waited to see the work. Smithsonian Magazine noted his work as an important moment in art history.

Portrait of America_ Credit Anastasiia Davydova

 

Guests in Front of Portrait of America _ Credit Anastasiia Davydova

A 2015 feature-length documentary film that traces Datuna’s journey from Tblisi, Georgia to today won the prestigious ‘Best Feature Film’ award at the Raindance Film Festival.

Following a battle with cancer, Datuna established The Fund for Life, a philanthropic organization dedicated to fighting fatal diseases worldwide. David works with a network of leading physicians, governmental organizations and pharmaceutical companies to advance high-quality medical care and access to advanced medications in the neediest countries worldwide. In conjunction with the Fund, Datuna also established the Life Award, which is given to corporations and individuals for exceptional contributions to sustaining and saving of human lives. In 2016 Gilead Sciences became the first Life Award recipients for their outstanding work in battling Hepatitis C in his native Georgia.

In 2017 Datuna began a new major project to build cultural bridges between the Muslim and Western worlds, through his rendition of the Flag of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – a country that has the most special cultural and religious meaning to much of the Muslims worldwide. His iteration of the Saudi Flag was presented as a gift to his Majesty King Salman.

In support of Georgia’s democracy Datuna gifted his Georgian Flag project named “Georgia – hope of millions” to the Georgian people. The artwork, in the shape and color of the Georgian flag, was created from hundreds of optical lenses of varying magnification that illuminate underlying images of Georgia’s history and political and social culture.

Google Glass Technology_Credit Anastasiia Davydova

Datuna is well known for his work that forces viewers to consider their point of view. Recent projects have included ‘Make America Stronger Together,’ a mobile art installation located in front of the Trump Tower in New York and unveiled prior to the 2016 US Presidential Election. He combined the themes Make America with Stronger Together and created two monumental works of art to bring a divided nation closer. The work became one of the most iconic images from the 2016 Presidential Elections election cycle and traveled to Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C., and Florida.

In 2017 Datuna channeled the feelings expressed by most Americans and the world community in response to President Trump’s withdrawal of the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement in a new art performance, ‘This Too Shall Pass.’ The artist formed the President’s name in 10-foot ice letters in New York’s Union Square Park, juxtaposing Trump’s challenge to the environment against the environment itself. The ice sculpture melted within minutes, echoing the words attributed to Biblical King Solomon, Sufi poet Sanai, and more recently used by English poet Scott Fitzgerald “This too shall pass,” reflecting on the evanescence of the human condition.

Datuna Art Space

Location: Datuna Art Space, 43-05 Vernon BL, Long Island City, NY, 1101 (at 43rd Avenue)

Opening Times: Tuesday through Sunday, 11 AM – 5 PM

Transport: Short walk from Queen Plaza Subway (E, M, R) and Court Square-23 St. Station (G, 7, E, M)

- A word from our sponsors -

spot_img

Most Popular

More from Author

Valerie Bertinelli Net Worth 2025: An In‑Depth Financial Profile

Valerie Bertinelli is a beloved actress, television personality, and chef whose...

Inside NYC Fashion Trunk Shows 2025: Where Designers and Trendsetters Collide

Trunk shows have taken over New York City’s fashion scene in...

Ludacris Net Worth 2025: How the Rapper Built a Multi-Million Dollar Empire

Christopher Brian Bridges, widely known by his stage name Ludacris, is...

Simon Guobadia Net Worth: A Deep Dive into the Businessman’s Wealth

Simon Guobadia, a Nigerian-American entrepreneur, film producer, and businessman, has built...

- A word from our sponsors -

spot_img

Read Now

Valerie Bertinelli Net Worth 2025: An In‑Depth Financial Profile

Valerie Bertinelli is a beloved actress, television personality, and chef whose career spans decades of entertainment and culinary success. As an Emmy-winning figure and food channel star, she has built a diverse portfolio of income streams. This article explores Valerie Bertinelli’s net worth, how she earned her...

Inside NYC Fashion Trunk Shows 2025: Where Designers and Trendsetters Collide

Trunk shows have taken over New York City’s fashion scene in 2025, offering style aficionados an insider pass to designer previews, limited-edition collections, and behind-the-scenes access. If you’re a trendspotter in NYC, this is your golden ticket to fashion’s most exclusive gatherings. Whether you're a fashion editor, stylist,...

Ludacris Net Worth 2025: How the Rapper Built a Multi-Million Dollar Empire

Christopher Brian Bridges, widely known by his stage name Ludacris, is a rapper, actor, and entrepreneur who has achieved remarkable success across multiple fields. As of 2025, Ludacris's estimated net worth is around $40 million, a testament to his longevity and diversification beyond just music. This article...

Simon Guobadia Net Worth: A Deep Dive into the Businessman’s Wealth

Simon Guobadia, a Nigerian-American entrepreneur, film producer, and businessman, has built a reputation not only for his high-profile relationships but also for his strategic investments and impressive business ventures. Best known for his appearance on The Real Housewives of Atlanta through his marriage to Porsha Williams, Guobadia's...

Gervonta Davis Net Worth: Inside the Fortune of Boxing’s Knockout King

Gervonta “Tank” Davis is one of the most explosive and marketable fighters in modern boxing. Known for his knockout power, undefeated record, and magnetic presence, Davis has become a financial powerhouse in the sport. From pay-per-view successes to business ventures outside the ring, his net worth has...

Alix Earle Net Worth: Inside the Life of a Rising Digital Mogul

Alix Earle has rapidly become one of the most influential figures in the world of social media. With a massive following on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, she has transformed her personal brand into a powerful business. As of 2025, Alix Earle’s net worth is estimated to...

Ice Cube Net Worth: The Legacy and Fortune of a Hip-Hop and Hollywood Icon

Ice Cube is a name that resonates across multiple industries—music, film, business, and activism. From his early days in the groundbreaking rap group N.W.A. to becoming a celebrated actor and film producer, Ice Cube has built a career defined by versatility, bold creativity, and business acumen. As...

Thejavasea.me Leaks AIO-TLP: What It Is, Why It Matters, and What You Should Know

In the increasingly complex landscape of digital data breaches and cyber disclosures, one name that has surfaced with notable attention is thejavasea.me leaks AIO-TLP. This incident has sparked widespread discussion among cybersecurity enthusiasts, digital privacy advocates, and even casual internet users due to the nature of the...

Bill Belichick Net Worth: The Wealth of an NFL Coaching Legend

Bill Belichick is one of the most iconic and successful coaches in NFL history. Known for his strategic mind, stoic demeanor, and unmatched record with the New England Patriots, Belichick has cemented himself as a legendary figure in professional football. Over decades of leadership, his consistent success...

Jennifer Tilly Net Worth: A Look into the Actress and Poker Player’s Wealth

Jennifer Tilly is a multi-talented individual known for her unique voice, memorable acting roles, and surprising success as a professional poker player. Over the years, she has built a diverse career that has led to a considerable net worth. This article explores Jennifer Tilly’s net worth, how...

Unlocking Business Success with Pedrovazpaulo Business Consultant

In the ever-evolving landscape of entrepreneurship and corporate competition, businesses must consistently adapt, optimize, and innovate to maintain growth and profitability. Navigating such a dynamic environment requires more than just intuition—it demands expertise, strategic insight, and experience. This is precisely where a trusted advisor like pedrovazpaulo business...

Can Twins Cause a False Negative Pregnancy Test?

Have you taken a pregnancy test and gotten a negative result, but something still doesn’t feel right? Maybe you’re experiencing early pregnancy symptoms, or your period is late. Could twins be the reason the test didn’t detect the pregnancy? It’s a surprising idea, but yes, in rare cases,...