Art collector Lio Malca presents a highly anticipated exhibition titled “Space Travel,” showcasing the monumental “Heads” series by renowned 1980s artist Kenny Scharf at 60 White in Tribeca, New York. This exhibition marks the first public display of the series since 1997, featuring ten 9×12 ft paintings originally created as a site-specific installation for the Center of Fine Arts in Miami in 1995. Known for his blend of Pop Art and Surrealism, Scharf’s works are vibrant, playful, and infused with cosmic motifs, cartoon characters, and elements from nature, offering a fantastical experience reminiscent of viewing from a spaceship’s control center.

Kenny Scharf’s artistic journey is deeply rooted in the 1980s New York art scene, where he collaborated with figures like Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Keith Haring. His unique style, which he terms “Pop Surrealism,” is characterized by spontaneous and intuitive painting, drawing from Surrealist automatism to bring subconscious imagery to life. The “Heads” series reflects Scharf’s fascination with science fiction and space travel, themes inspired by his childhood dreams of interplanetary exploration. His use of bold colors and surreal compositions creates an immersive and emotionally resonant experience.

Lio Malca, the visionary behind 60 White, expresses his enthusiasm for the exhibition, highlighting the timeless impact of Scharf’s work. Malca’s new space, designed by studioMDA, is part of his broader artistic ecosystem that includes Fundación La Nave Salinas in Ibiza, Casa Malca in Tulum, and The Art Lodge in Sian Ka’an, Mexico. Malca’s commitment to making art accessible is evident in his diverse exhibition initiatives spanning pop-up shows, long-term displays, and full-scale museum exhibitions.

Through “Space Travel,” Scharf’s works not only celebrate the fusion of pop culture and surrealism but also challenge conventional artistic hierarchies, inviting audiences to explore a world where the fantastical and the familiar coexist harmoniously.

LARRY’S LIST has spoken with both Lio and Kenny about this latest project.

Why did you decide to establish 60 White? Any meaning behind the name?
60 White is more than just a gallery—it’s a dynamic, multidisciplinary space. That’s why I prefer not to define it solely as a gallery. Opening this space at 60 White Street in Tribeca is the realization of a long-held dream. Located in the heart of New York City’s thriving art scene, it’s a vibrant and inspiring environment that I’m eager to share with the world.
Designed as a hub for contemporary art, 60 White is dedicated to showcasing both established and emerging artists. Our goal is to challenge conventional ideas of art, offering a platform for innovative, thought-provoking work that pushes creative boundaries.
The space itself is a seamless fusion of old and new, featuring high ceilings, exposed brick walls, and an abundance of natural light—an ideal setting for displaying a diverse range of artistic expressions. From traditional paintings and sculptures to immersive installations and live performances, 60 White is built to foster artistic exploration.
Beyond exhibitions, we plan to host a variety of events, including artist talks, workshops, and discussions on video, photography, and other topics that align with my creative ecosystem. Our goal is to engage the local community and cultivate a deeper appreciation for art. I have no doubt that 60 White Street will evolve into a sought-after destination for art lovers, collectors, and enthusiasts alike, and I am excited to see how this space continues to grow and inspire.
About the meaning, the name 60 White is directly tied to its location—we loved the space so much that we decided to keep the name it already had. Beyond just an address, it carries a sense of identity and simplicity, allowing the focus to remain on the dynamic and ever-evolving artistic experiences that unfold within its walls.

Why did you choose this location in New York City?
Lio: I had been exploring different areas in New York City for a few years, carefully considering the right location. But the moment I saw 60 White Street, I knew it was the one—I didn’t need to look any further. The energy of the space, its character, and its perfect fit within the vibrant Tribeca art scene made it an undeniable choice. It felt like the ideal home for this vision, a place where creativity could thrive and where artists and audiences could connect in a truly inspiring environment.

What do you most look forward to about this exhibition?
Lio: My purpose was to make sure we give the artworks a great exposure, and show how current the works from 30 years ago are today. Kenny is without a doubt ahead of time…His vision of space age and space travel is amazing, but I’d also like to share the quality of the works and how well they have aged and matured.

How do you usually get inspired?
Kenny: I get inspired by being alive (I think). I’m constantly looking at things and everything inspires me.
I grew up in LA, it’s a dry area. As a kid, I would fantasize and dream about humid and wet, jungles and forests. These kinds of places have always been a fantasy for me. Years later, when I moved to Brazil, I was in the jungle. That was getting to study the jungle up close, not just fantasizing about it. I really believe that without forests, we don’t exist.

What is the significance to exhibit the “Heads” series from 1995 now?
Lio: The Heads series from 1995 is a fascinating glimpse into Kenny Scharf’s visionary world—bold, expressive, and deeply connected to his signature blend of pop culture, surrealism, and futuristic imagination. These works capture a pivotal moment in his career, showcasing his ability to create characters that feel both whimsical and thought-provoking.
Exhibiting this series today is particularly compelling because it allows us to revisit Kenny’s artistic language from nearly 30 years ago and see how his ideas—especially those related to identity, emotion, and the human experience—continue to resonate. His work has always been ahead of its time, and with “Heads,” we get to explore his unique way of portraying faces not just as portraits, but as vibrant, otherworldly expressions of energy and personality.

How do you feel about exhibiting this series again three decades later?
Kenny: I feel great seeing my friends again. It’s amazing being alive and seeing your past still doing it. Successful art is art that stands the test of time.
The Heads are having more impact now than they had then. People don’t always understand things at the time but now they do. Artists are often ahead of their time. You just have to stay alive long enough.

What do you hope the audience will experience in the exhibition?
Lio: I want the audience to step into what it might have felt like inside a spaceship or a space control center in 1995—through the lens of Kenny Scharf’s fantastical world. His vision of the future, imagined in the ‘80s and ‘90s, was remarkably ahead of its time, especially in its themes of environmental preservation, respect for nature, and space exploration. What’s incredible is that, 30 years later, many of those ideas are no longer just imagination—they’re reality. I hope visitors not only immerse themselves in the vibrant, otherworldly energy of Kenny’s work but also reflect on how his futuristic dreams have become part of our present.