NYC Gazette

NYU's 80WSE Gallery is set to open two exhibitions that explore the philosophies of Baruch Spinoza and Simone Weil. These exhibitions will examine themes of freedom and how to lead a good life amidst political challenges. The exhibitions are scheduled to open on January 31.

Kevin Kelly’s film, "Caute," supported by 80WSE, delves into Spinoza's life and thoughts. It combines footage from Amsterdam with experimental techniques reflecting his intellectual journey. The film highlights Spinoza’s ideas on God, nature, emotions, and intellectual independence. It will be displayed in the gallery’s Project Space until March 15, 2025.

Simone Weil’s work will be showcased through the Washington Square Windows exhibit titled "On the Abolition of All Political Parties." This exhibition will run until May 15, 2025. It includes a new English translation by Laura Mitterand of Weil’s essay critiquing political parties for suppressing individual desires in favor of collective passions. This work was published posthumously with support from Albert Camus.

80WSE curator Howie Chen explains the goal: “Amidst tremendous political, environmental, and everyday turmoil, people are anxious about their own agency and what they can do as individuals to live and act in ways that can impact our society in real ways.” Chen adds that Weil exemplified combining theory with practice.

Spinoza was born in Amsterdam in 1632 and exiled from his community due to his beliefs. He worked as a lens grinder while developing his philosophical ideas on religious and political freedom. The title "Caute" refers to Spinoza's motto: Be careful.

“The film gives you a feel of his environs, what he would phenomenologically experience day to day,” says Chen about Kelly’s film.

French philosopher Simone Weil (1909–1943) was known for her activism and mysticism. She worked at Renault in Paris and joined the Spanish Civil War resistance against Franco before converting from Judaism to Christianity.

“These exhibitions resonate conceptually and philosophically because they show how we can take historical subjects and use them to think about the present in rigorous and urgent ways,” notes Chen.

The gallery is located at 80 Washington Square East with free admission. An opening reception is planned for January 31 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Founded in 1974, NYU Steinhardt’s gallery showcases both contemporary and historical art across various locations including Broadway Windows at East 10th Street.