Visual Art
Never Records
New York-based conceptual artist and musician Ted Riederer explores the potential of a record shop and recording studio as an artistic community hub. Installed inside The Rudin Family Gallery, Never Records is a multi-use gathering space for connecting with others through recorded sound.
Riederer himself oversees the recording sessions, at the end of which performers leave with a freshly cut vinyl record and a digital file of their music. Visitors are encouraged to explore the shop, which is designed to mimic a long-operating record store and features unique artwork; listen to recordings from past Never Records installations; and watch live performances being recorded and cut in real time.
With a nod to Fluxus, Alan Kaprow’s Happenings, Alan Lomax, Harry Smith, and the collectivism of the 80s and 90s DC punk scene, Never Records embodies Riederer’s mission to build and galvanize communities based on the act of listening and the visualization of sound. Since 2010, Never Records has traveled to Liverpool; Derry, Ireland; London; Lisbon; New Orleans; Victoria, Texas; and Amman, Jordan. This season, Riederer brings it to the BAM Strong, marking the 10th anniversary of the project.
For frequently asked questions about recording sessions, visit our Never Records FAQs
Leadership support for BAM Visual Art provided by Agnes Gund and Toby Devan Lewis
Got a question about Never Records recording sessions? Visit the FAQ page.
Recording sessions run 10am—1pm (Wed—Sun) and 2—5pm (Wed—Fri)
At this time, sessions are completely full (due to popular demand). We encourage you to view the exhibition and watch a recording session live!
Ted Riederer has armed himself with painting supplies, guitars, amps, LPs, record players, drum kits, photo equipment, a vinyl record lathe, and long-stemmed roses as he’s ambled from the Americas to the Antipodes. His work has shown at MoMA PS1, Nicole Klagsbrun Gallery, Marianne Boesky Gallery, Prospect New Orleans’ triennial, Goff+Rosenthal (Berlin), Jack Hanley Gallery (San Francisco), and the Liverpool Biennial, among others. He is the artistic director of Howl! Happening: An Arturo Vega Project, an NYC nonprofit gallery and performance space.
View Ted Riederer’s 2019 BAM commission Persistent Echoes here.
Join us to celebrate the opening of Never Records at BAM—and the 10th anniversary of the project—with artist and musician Ted Riederer in attendance.
Join us for a celebratory party to close out Never Records at BAM.