Photographer "Drift" Arrested at His Exhibition Opening
Having gained notoriety for climbing skyscrapers and restricted sites.
Summary
- Isaac “Drift” Wright arrested during his solo show at Robert Mann Gallery
- He was charged with third-degree trespassing linked to previous climbs
- An undercover officer at the event reportedly made the arrest
Isaac Wright, known as “Drift,” was arrested at his own art show in Chelsea last Thursday night. Just two hours into the opening, NYPD officers entered the Robert Mann Gallery and took him into custody on charges of third-degree trespassing.
Wright, a former Army paratrooper, gained notoriety for climbing skyscrapers and restricted sites to capture high-altitude photographs. His work, often shot from dangerous heights like the Queensboro Bridge or the Empire State Building, earned him both a social media following albeit multiple legal run-ins.
According to Artnews, witnesses said an undercover officer blended into the crowd before signaling the arrest. “They could’ve picked him up at home,” said fellow climber Vitaliy Raskolov to the publication. “Doing it here just fuels more distrust.”
Wright previously served four months in jail in 2020 after evading police across several states. Since his release in 2021, he’s found financial success through NFT sales but continued climbing despite it violating his probation.
His first solo show, titled Coming Home, was meant to mark a new chapter but it ended with handcuffs. Wright was released the next day. Catch Coming Home at Robert Mann Gallery through June 28.
Robert Mann Gallery
508 W 26th St Suite 9F
New York, NY 10001
