Dale Chihuly at Marlborough Gallery

The dramatic centerpiece of Dale Chihuly’s show of recent work at Marlborough Gallery’s 57th Street space combines burnt logs, glass ‘reeds’ and neon light in a scenario that evokes nature but with overtly man-made objects and forms. Sapphire lights and the juxtaposition of sharp and round shapes both draw in and confound the eye. (Through April 11th).

Dale Chihuly, Sapphire Neon with Burned Logs and Neodymium Reeds, neon lights, burned wood and hand blown glass over stainless steel rods, 96 x 252, 180 inches, 2015.

Maayan Strauss at Andrea Meislin Gallery

With few exceptions, ground floor Chelsea storefronts are occupied by galleries, so young Israeli artist Maayan Strauss’ installation of sinks at Andrea Meislin Gallery – looking like a showroom for kitchen fixtures – comes as a momentary surprise. The installation of seven running sinks, connected in one huge countertop is pristine (for now) and attractive, and effectively turns the gallery into a  commercial showroom. (In Chelsea through Feb 28th).

Maayan Strauss, installation view of ‘Seven Sinks’ at Andrea Meislin Gallery, Feb 2014.

Claudia Comte at Barbara Gladstone Gallery

Inspired by Road Runner cartoons, Swiss artist Claudia Comte picked up a chainsaw as a young woman and started carving replica-cacti and more. Brancusi, Noguchi and other 20th century minimalists are references, along with more vernacular items, like the wine bottle opener that seems to have prompted this piece. Comte’s cheeky art historical remix results in a handsome installation. (At Barbara Gladstone Gallery’s 21st Street space through March 21st).

Claudia Comte, installation view of ‘No Melon No Lemon’ at Barbara Gladstone Gallery, Feb 2015.

Saya Woolfalk at Leslie Tonkonow Artworks & Projects

Saya Woolfalk continues to imagine life in a utopic community of culturally hybridized beings with her new series of colorful sculpture, video and collage at Chelsea’s Leslie Tonkonow Artworks & Projects. In this lush corner installation, a meditating figure in fantastical priestly garb holds minerals that supposedly release the power of greater empathy. (Through Feb 28th).

Saya Woolfalk, ChimaTEK: Virtual Reality Station, mixed media installation with video, 108 x 91 x 19 ½, 2015.

Noriyuki Haraguchi at Fergus McCaffrey Gallery

This gorgeous reflecting pool by Japanese artist Noriyuki Haraguchi – an update on his iconic versions from the 70s – is the picture of serenity in the pristine upstairs gallery of Chelsea’s Fergus McCaffrey Gallery. Contrary to appearances, though, the pool is full of spent machine oil, a symbol of our attraction to a natural resource with not-so-beautiful byproducts. (Through Feb 21st).

Noriyuki Haraguchi, Oil Pool, steel, spent motor oil, 24 x 12 feet.