Experimentation and a quest for the new has been at the heart of Italian textile designer Renata Bonfanti’s work since she traveled from her native Italy to complete her studies in Olso in the early 50s. A selection of woven work from 1968 – 1990, now on view at Kaufmann Repetto in Tribeca, foregrounds Bonfanti’s inventive techniques and varied geometries, which she explains are always inspired by the built environment. (On view through Feb 18th).
Ethereal forms appear to rise up in this photograph printed on satin by Turin-based artist Elisa Sighicelli, currently part of her two-artist show at Tribeca’s 55 Walker/Kaufmann Repetto. Created by hanging sheets of plastic in front of her window and photographing them, Sighicelli’s images are clearly representational yet appear abstract as they invite shifting perceptions of space. Printed on sheets of synthetic satin and hung in the gallery, they ripple slightly – just enough to create additional, 3D spatial depth. (On view through Jan 23rd).
Though Minnie Mouse and other comic icons are a recurring subject for Magdalena Suarez Frimkess, they’re new every time she makes them. This is apparent in this sculpture of Minnie holding a Prada bag and cocking her head thoughtfully to the side from Suarez Frimkess’ 2017 show at Kaufmann Repetto. The gallery’s current on-line show of Suarez Frimkess’ features insights from the artist, more Minnies and diverse work that draws on art historical sources from Egyptian sculpture to pre-Columbian art.
Quilts by Gee’s Bend Quiltmakers Mary Lee Bendolph (background) and Loretta Pettway Bennett (foreground) are the highlight of Kaufman Repetto’s current group show, an exhibition that asks what’s new for art as more female artists have come to prominence over the past several decades. Bennett’s denim quilt suggests that the contributions of many have produced a prize result. (On view in Chelsea through Feb 24th).
Popeye, Chinese landscape painting and pre-Columbian art are among the many influences on Magdalena Suarez Frimkess’s small-scale but boldly conceived ceramics. Vessels like this untitled head reimagine use-value while introducing enticingly idiosyncratic characters. (On view at Kaufman Repetto in Chelsea through Oct 21st).
