Haynes helped turn Tribeca into New York’s most exciting gallery district with 52 Walker, the downtown spinoff of David Zwirner she opened in 2021. Now, she’s global head of curatorial projects for the mega-gallery’s broader network—and is staying committed to ambitious, often impractical shows.
What keeps you up at night?
That if I fall asleep right now, I’ll get seven hours of sleep… And if I fall asleep now, I’ll get six and a half hours of sleep… If I can fall asleep immediately, I could get a solid four hours of sleep.
What would you be doing if you weren’t working in your field?
When I was younger I dreamed of being A&R (artist and repertoire) for a major record label (back when A&R was still a real job) and I would hope that I would be working in the music industry in some capacity. I realize now that I’m sort of an A&R for the art world.
What would you like the headline of your obituary to be?
“Real Gs Move in Silence Like Lasagna.”
What’s something people get wrong about you?
When people ask me how I’d like my coffee and I say “cream and sugar,” they never put enough cream or sugar. I like it light and sweet and it has to be full-fat cream and white sugar.
What’s one work of art that got you through an important moment in your life?
John Waters‘s Hairspray, 1988, got me through many moments in my life.
What would you wear to meet your greatest enemy?
An exact replica of the suit George Clooney wore as Michael Clayton.
What are you looking forward to this year?
Name an influence of yours that might surprise people?
Rick Rubin.
Where do you feel most at home?
In Tobago.
To read more from the 2026 CULT100 honorees, see the full list here.
in your life?
