Lao Tongli’s organic forms stand out against a black background, suggesting that they populate some dark, interior space despite their color. Though they look like plant forms or stylized tree branches, their resemblance to blood vessels is appropriate, having been inspired by Tongli’s fathers’ long struggle with heart disease. (On view at Chambers Fine Art in Chelsea through Sept 2nd).
Lao Tongli, (detail of) Horizon, Positive Negative Zero Zero 03, ink and minerals on silk, 54 ¼ x 54 ½ x ½ inches, 2017.
Merrily Kerr is an art critic and writer based in New York. For more than 20 years, Merrily has published in international art magazines including Time Out New York, Art on Paper, Flash Art, Art Asia Pacific, Art Review, and Tema Celeste in addition to writing catalogue essays and guest lecturing. Merrily teaches art appreciation at Marymount Manhattan College and has taught for Cooper Union Continuing Education.
For more than a decade Merrily has crafted personalized tours of cultural discovery in New York's galleries and museums for individuals and groups, including corporate tours, collectors, artists, advertising agencies, and student groups from Texas Woman's University, Parsons School of Design, Chicago's Moody Institute, Cooper Union Continuing Education, Hunter College Continuing Education and other institutions. Merrily's tours have been featured in The New York Times, Conde Nast Traveler, Sydney Morning Herald and Philadelphia Magazine.
Merrily is licensed by New York City's Department of Consumer Affairs as a tour guide and is a member of the International Association of Art Critics (AICA USA)
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