Bendt Eyckermans at Andrew Kreps Gallery

The dramatically-patterned drawn curtains in this painting by young Antwerp-based artist Bendt Eyckermans shut out the sun, but a sense of illumination is nevertheless strong in this symbol-laden interior scene at Andrew Kreps Gallery.  Working in the studio that both his artist father and grandfather have used before him, the youngest artist in a lineage that goes back at least five generations ponders his inheritance by picturing objects with meaningful history.  A sculpture reminiscent of his father’s work crouches on the table in this picture titled ‘The successor,’ while two figures on the left (one nearly hidden behind the other) presumably picture artistic forebears.  A green marble on the orange-toned carpet reads like a warning to self not to slip in their watchful presence.  (On view in Tribeca through June 18th).

Bendt Eyckermans, The successor, oil and ink on linen, 74 3/8 x 62 5/8 inches, 2021.

Paul Bulteel at Anastasia Photo

Belgian photographer Paul Bulteel spent a career focusing on energy and sustainable practice; lately, he’s expanded on his professional experience with ‘Waste Not,’ a photo series shot at European waste recycling facilities. Bulteel’s eye for color and composition make materials intriguingly strange (this pile of mixed metals suggests hair) while demonstrating what efforts go on to recycle and reuse. (At Anastasia Photo on the Lower East Side through Nov 22nd).

Paul Bulteel, “Tinned copper wire, typically used in electrical motors. The different metals (copper, nickel, lead, and tin) are separated in a pyro-metallurgical process. Lead and tin are further separated using vacuum technology.”

Luc Tuymans at David Zwirner Gallery

Belgian artist Luc Tuymans is known for paintings that evoke memories. Here, cars reflected in the canals of the Dutch town of Ridderkerk are based on Polaroids taken by the artist. A solid stone bridge meets the evocative green-tinged murk of the canal, recalling moments of leisure spent pondering the water from the land. (At David Zwirner Gallery in Chelsea through June 25th).

Luc Tuymans, Murky Water III, oil on canvas, 92 ¾ x 91 5/8 x 1 5/8 inches, 2015.
Luc Tuymans, Murky Water III, oil on canvas, 92 ¾ x 91 5/8 x 1 5/8 inches, 2015.

Patrick Van Caeckenbergh at Lehmann Maupin Gallery

Belgian artist Patrick Van Caeckenbergh’s meticulous drawings resemble photographs but record trees embellished by his imagination into wondrous monstrosities. (At Lehmann Maupin Gallery on the Lower East Side through August 21st).

Patrick Van Caeckenbergh, Drawing of Old Trees during wintry days 2007-2014, pencil and paint on paper, 21.06 x 30.79 inches, 2007 – 2014.

Maroesjka Lavigne at Robert Mann Gallery

Belgian photographer Maroesjka Lavigne’s New York solo debut features landscapes half obscured by snow and Icelandic locals who look as if they’re hiding something; here, disturbed water turns a swimmer’s face into a blank mask. (At Robert Mann Gallery in Chelsea through May 17th).

Maroesjka Lavigne, Phantom, Krossneslaug, Westfjords, 2011.