The GOAT at NY Historical Society
Being Remembered
Muhammad Ali's punches and political prowess stung like a bee. With grace, Ali floated like a butterfly, seemingly above all the rest. Ali's life is a story of doing what one believes in and helping as many people possible along the way.
Currently showing through March 26th, at the New York Historical Society, located on 77th street and Central Park West, "Muhammad Ali, Leroy Neiman and the Art of Boxing.” This exhibit showcases the life of Ali through paintings and quick sketches by Leroy Neiman in Ali’s more historically significant moments. Also on display, a robe worn by Ali, as well as gloves Ali wore in his fight with Ernie Shavers*, in 1977. *A grueling 15 round decision victory for Ali.
Illustration by Leroy Neiman (Ali-Frazier MSG Rd 11, 1971)
Located in the adjacent hallway is the exhibit “I am King of the World” - Photographs of Muhammad Ali by George Kalinsky. A serendipitous meeting of boxer and photographer, Kalinsky enters Ali’s camp under the false pretense that he is the Madison Square Garden Photographer. Allowed in, he takes the roll of film from Ali’s camp to MSG and requests the actual job; he's granted the work. Kalinsky follows Ali throughout his career.
We should honor Ali's life, remember the good he did. And be thankful to the New York Historical Society for recognizing the importance of Ali’s legacy, another reason to enjoy all NYC has to offer.
"I'll tell you how I'd like to be remembered...As a man who never looked down on those who looked up to him..." - Muhammad Ali
Photo by George Kalinsky (Ali Training at MSG, 1967)
For more information on the New York Historical Society Please Visit:
Support for this exhibition provided by the LeRoy Neiman Foundation and The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation.
Exhibitions at the New-York Historical Society are made possible by Dr. Agnes Hsu-Tang and Oscar Tang, the Saunders Trust for American History, the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, and the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature.