Roger Steffens & The Family Acid at Benrubi Gallery

Wild abandon meets danger in this 1974 photo by counterculture photographer Roger Steffens, though what appears to be a fatal leap is an illusion – the young woman landed safely on the ledge directly beneath her. Under the titled ‘The Family Acid,’ Steffens’ photos chronicle the lives of his friends and family as they embody the changing mores of an era. (At Benrubi Gallery in Chelsea through Aug 26th).

The Family Acid, Roger Steffens, Big Sur Plunge (Clare’s Leap), March, 1974, edition of 8, archival pigment print, 24 x 20 inches.
The Family Acid, Roger Steffens, Big Sur Plunge (Clare’s Leap), March, 1974, edition of 8, archival pigment print, 24 x 20 inches.

Forcefield in ‘What Nerve!’ at Matthew Marks Gallery

Art made outside of New York art scene from the 60s to the present inspired Matthew Marks Gallery’s group show this summer, an exhibition that includes work by the collective ‘Forcefield’ who are known for their unconventional costuming. Here, Lord of the Rings inspires a contemporary chain mail chic. (In Chelsea through August 14th).

Forcefield, Lord of the Rings Modulator Shroud, stainless steel ID rings, 2002-15.

Pablo Bartholomew at Thomas Erben Gallery

New Delhi-based photographer Pablo Bartholomew’s photos of 1970s counterculture in Bombay, New Delhi and Calcutta include plenty of languid hanging out, none as charming as this sunny scene with friends. (At Thomas Erben Gallery in Chelsea through June 20th).

Pablo Bartholomew, Hanging out at Sunder and Ammu’s with Poli, Sheena, Jai and the kids, Calcutta, 1978, silver gelatin print, 1978.

Rodney Graham at 303 Gallery

Rodney Graham’s ‘Old Punk On Pay Phone’ may not be part of the Met’s much anticipated punk couture exhibition opening today; instead seen downtown at Chelsea’s 303 Gallery it begs the question of what punk counterculture means to this aging character, played by the 64 year old artist. (Through June 15th)  

Rodney Graham, Old Punk on Pay Phone, painted aluminum light box with transmounted chromogenic transparency, 2012.