In a gallery titled ‘the repair annex,’ two new sculptures by Charles Ray depict mechanics absorbed in their work. A man squats in a pose reminiscent of Ray’s own kneeling self-portrait from a few years back but also suggesting supplication or rapt attention to a task. Ray’s meticulous renderings, here in painted steel, can take years to realize and the attention to detail and smooth finish give the piece an elegance and preciousness that connect this subject less to an autobody shop and more to an art history of heroic bodies. (On view at Matthew Marks Gallery‘s 526 West 22nd Street location in Chelsea through June 16th).
