At a time when sensitive portraits of African Americans were far from the norm, 19th century Boston artist Francesca Alexander’s tiny ink on paper sketch from 1852 of Julia Benson charms. (At Driscoll Babcock Galleries in Chelsea through Oct 22nd).
Christopher Adams’ ceramic plants appear at once fragile and
robust; the material of their thin, scrolling leaves suggests something
breakable, the vigorous growth at center hints at expansive potential. Garvey Simon Art Access in Chelsea is overrun
with variations on the plant in a range of glazes and finishes, making for a provocative
merger of biology and decoration.
(Through Nov 7th).
Christopher Adams, from the ‘Primordial Garden’ series,
2015.
