Famed Artist David Datuna To Open Long Island City Art Space

LONG ISLAND CITY, QUEENS — Acclaimed artist David Datuna, best known for his interactive piece "Portrait of America," is opening an art space in Long Island City next week.

Datuna Art Space will exhibit contemporary artists from across the world — Saudi Arabia, Japan, China and Ukraine are just a few of the countries represented — in addition to Datuna's own work, the artist told Patch. He also plans to offer arts events for kids and host musical performances.

"It's good to bring something new," Datuna said. "We tried to do something interesting."

Datuna resists the term "gallery" to describe his new space, located at 43-05 Vernon Blvd. in a former taxi garage.

An art gallery sells artwork and aims to turn a profit. Datuna's new space is more akin to a museum, where the art on the walls is display-only.

"It's not about business, it's not about money," he said.

Datuna considered opening his art center in Manhattan but struggled to find the perfect space. As his artist friends start fleeing Chelsea for Long Island City, he opted for a space on the other side of the East River.

Datuna plans to change the center's exhibits up to 10 times a year. He's also considering starting an art school for kids there, he said.

The Brooklyn-based artist has shown his artwork at Art Basel Miami Beach and Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery. He is also the subject of a 2015 documentary film that traces his journey from Tblisi, Georgia to today.

Datuna Art Space will celebrate its grand opening to the public on June 20, from 6 to 10 p.m. Attendees may RSVP by emailing mimi@rcourihaycpr.com.