Channing Hansen at CRG Gallery

Using fiber from sheep selectively bred to increase genetic diversity, Channing Hansen creates abstract knit works that derive their patterns from an algorithm that makes use of his own DNA. Complicated back story aside, the artworks entice by evoking the body and the landscapes in vivid color and a wealth of texture. (At CRG Gallery on the Lower East Side through Feb 25th).

Channing Hansen, RFLP:6:29840382:CT, Bluefaced Leicester, California Variegated Mutant (Latham), California Variegated Mutant (Myth), Cashmere, Corriedale, hybrid California Variegated Mutant/Rambou/Cotswold/Border Leicester (Cessna), hybrid Cotswold/Border/Leicester/California Variegated Mu, 54 ¼ x 55 ¼ x 1 ¼ inches, 2016.
Channing Hansen, RFLP:6:29840382:CT, Bluefaced Leicester, California Variegated Mutant (Latham), California Variegated Mutant (Myth), Cashmere, Corriedale, hybrid California Variegated Mutant/Rambou/Cotswold/Border Leicester (Cessna), hybrid Cotswold/Border/Leicester/California Variegated Mu, 54 ¼ x 55 ¼ x 1 ¼ inches, 2016.

Tonico Lemmos Auad at CRG Gallery

Born in the Northern Brazilian city of Belem, home to an annual religious festival that draws millions of participants, artist Tonico Lemmos Auad creates a series of attractively simple, handmade, crocheted forms inspired by votive vessels. (At CRG Gallery on the Lower East Side through Oct 23rd).

Tonico Lemmos Auad, Unruly Architecture/Red, linen, cotton, wool, wood and bronze, dimensions variable, 2016.
Tonico Lemmos Auad, Unruly Architecture/Red, linen, cotton, wool, wood and bronze, dimensions variable, 2016.

Brian Tolle at CRG Gallery

Abraham Lincoln’s vision for the U.S. literally explodes from his eyes in Brian Tolle’s sculpture of Lincoln with the text from his inaugural addresses bursting in red, white and blue from his eyes. The sculpture is part of a show featuring U.S. presidents from Washington to Obama with attributes that relate to their roles in the country’s history. (At CRG Gallery on the Lower East Side through June 12th).

Brian Tolle, No. 16, mixed media, 71 x 45 x 60 inches, mixed media, 2012-16.
Brian Tolle, No. 16, mixed media, 71 x 45 x 60 inches, mixed media, 2012-16.

Ori Gersht at CRG Gallery

Inspired by Jan Brueghal the Elder’s flower genre paintings, London-based photographer Ori Gersht photographed versions of Breueghal’s arrangements, seen in a mirror as it’s being shattered. Gorgeous and violent at the same time, the photos are a disturbing reminder that nothing lasts forever. (At Chelsea’s CRG Gallery through March 14th).

Ori Gersht, detail of ‘On Reflection, Material E22 (After J. Brueghal the Elder), edition of 6 + 2AP, 96 x 73 ½ inches, c-print mounted on Dibond, 2014.

Lisa Sanditz at CRG Gallery

Though she lives in New York, Lisa Sanditz’ attention is on the country, with a new series of paintings that consider food production and sculptures inspired by Arizona cactus farms. Here, fanciful rainbow cacti in muted colors face off through Styrofoam cups like those that farmers use to protect cactus branches from cold. (At Chelsea’s CRG Gallery through March 15th).

Lisa Sanditz, Rainbow, glazed ceramic, planters, cinderblocks, plywood, rocks, 20 x 22 ½ x 8 inches, 2014.