Capturing New York’s human fabric through an intimate lens, painter Adam Dressner presents his first solo exhibition, Hello Stranger 2, at 1969 Gallery. Born from the artist’s mobile studio dubbed the “Art Cart,” this project builds on the original Hello Stranger series, which was displayed for three days at Grand Central Terminal last year.
Dressner transforms New York’s streets into his studio, painting strangers live on the spot. This approach has evolved into an art practice that documents the city’s cultural diversity and the warmth of everyday life. For the artist, these paintings are more than portraits; they are a glance, a moment, a connection—brief yet intense encounters that capture the city’s pulse.
Days before the exhibition, Dressner sets up his “Art Cart” inside 1969 Gallery. Visitors can witness him painting live, portraying both well-known figures from literature, music, and art, as well as the city’s own “characters.” These small, spontaneous portraits are later displayed in a salon-style arrangement on the gallery walls, alongside Dressner’s larger-scale oil paintings.
With a vibrant color palette and emotional openness, these large works offer a profound human map drawn from fleeting encounters. Each figure carries a story that is both individual and universal. The exhibition not only celebrates the diversity of people in the city but also invites viewers to become part of that diversity. As in Dressner’s paintings, a question echoes throughout the show: When we look at a stranger, who do we truly see—them, or ourselves?
Exhibition Details
Artist: Adam Dressner
Venue: 1969 Gallery, New York City
Dates: On view through October 25, 2025
