In Ugo Rondinone’s exhibition of stacked sculptures at Barbara Gladstone Gallery in 2013, the Swiss artist piled rocks to resemble human figures. Here, vivid colors set the tone for a show that is about visual pleasure. In the background, a circular form (made from branches cast in aluminum and gilded) stands in for the sun setting over this cheery, primordial landscape. (In Chelsea through Oct 29th).
Inspired by a poem that describes a shaft of sunlight that, contrary to its nature, brings darkness to mind, Barbara Gladstone Gallery’s summer group exhibition includes Nora Schultz’s enormous, ungainly window blinds, which look as if they were crafted by a giant’s child. Installed in the room furthest from the sun, their functionality is denied, their obtusely large and rough construction emphasized. (In Chelsea through July 29th).
Anish Kapoor’s monumental sculpture ‘She Wolf’ appears to be tipping over under its own weight, or deliberately leaning to the gallery floor from its marble pedestal. Given the title, giant quasi-oval shapes suggest teats, though a covering of soil over the structure’s rocky forms ties it to the earth, creating a kind of living geology. (At Barbara Gladstone Gallery’s 21st Street location through June 11th).
Titled after a Willie Nelson ballad about lost love, ‘Hello Walls’ at Barbara Gladstone Gallery’s 21st Street space dwarfs the viewer with huge wall paintings by big-name artists. Here, Ugo Rondinone’s fuzzy target at the show’s entrance acts like a pulsing beacon to draw visitors into the gallery while Michael Craig-Martin’s take-away cup is so big it feels architectural. (Through July 31st).
Installation view at Barbara Gladstone Gallery’s 21st Street location, Michael Craig-Martin on left, Ugo Rondinone on right, July 2015.
Known for videos and drawings channeling disillusioned angst, Cameron Jamie takes a new direction with ceramics that suggest natural forms and which are simultaneously object and pedestal. Undulating stalagmites at bottom have a fecal quality while resembling curving bodies; the top form in the foreground brings to mind vertebra or coral. (At Barbara Gladstone Gallery on West 24th Street through May 30th).
Cameron Jamie, installation view of untitled, glazed ceramic sculptures, May 2015.
