Brazilian artist Marepe’s socially conscious practice thrives on contrasts between city and country, rich and poor, etc.; each of these five assemblages in Anton Kern Gallery’s 25-year anniversary show is collectively titled ‘caipira’ or ‘bumpkins’ and features a prominent heart drawn in pastel. Set up like pins waiting to be bowled down, these unsuspecting folk appear to be especially vulnerable. (On view at 16 East 55th Street through Aug 20th).
Mexican born, Harlem-based activist and artist Aliza Nisenbaum’s new paintings at Anton Kern Gallery’s midtown gallery celebrate group activities in kaleidoscopic form and brilliant color. From teaching English to immigrants in Queens in 2012 to various residences and projects, Nisenbaum has engaged individuals who become subjects for paintings that celebrate togetherness and diversity. (On view through Nov 2nd).
Described by Anton Kern Gallery as a ‘traveling hybrid procession-protest piece,’ LA artist Lara Schnitger’s installation at Kern’s 55th Street address features inspirational banners and a huge, mysterious ‘Venus of Fernando’ on a palanquin. Schnitger calls the installation ‘Suffragette City,’ a place in which female power is explored in radically idiosyncratic ways. (On view in mid-town through Dec 23rd).
The woman at the center of Nicole Eisenman’s portraits ‘Weeks on the Train,’ (the writer Laurie Weeks) is casually posed, but commands an unusually large amount of room. The space creates an aura around her and gives her a sense of approachability that eludes the two oddballs seated in front of her. (At Anton Kern Gallery in Chelsea through June 25th).
A stylized nose, heavily made-up eyelashes and explosively arranged red hair are nearly submerged beneath expressionist flowers in Ellen Berkenblit’s ‘Color Forms,’ in which her character both merges and clashes with the landscape. (At Anton Kern Gallery in Chelsea through July 3rd).
Ellen Berkenblit, Color Forms, oil on canvas, 94 x 76 inches, 2013.
