Adam McEwen at Gagosian Gallery

Adam McEwen’s escalator stairs, disassembled and scattered on Gagosian Gallery’s floor are readymades related to movement, though unlike Duchamp’s spinnable bike wheel mounted on a stool, they’re solidly in place. Dedicated to mass transit, their egalitarian nature contrasts an upside down image of a stretch limo, printed on cellulose sponge and hung on the wall behind. (On view at Gagosian Gallery’s 980 Madison Ave 5th floor gallery).

Adam McEwen, Assembly, escalator steps, variable dimensions, 2014.

Louise Nevelson at Pace Gallery

Iconic 20th century sculptor Louise Nevelson famously maintained that the color black – in which she painted many of her assemblages – “…is the most aristocratic color of all. You can be quiet and it contains the whole thing.” This untitled piece from near the end of her life goes beyond black, mixing the blue of a mass produced dustpan with homier wood tones and an industrial roller, combining items from home life and beyond. (At Pace Gallery’s 534 West 25th Street location through Feb 28th).

Louise Nevelson, Untitled, broom, dustpan, metal, paint and wood on board, 63” x 48” x 7 ¾’, 1985.