Tag: modernism

Jesus Raphael Soto in ‘WAVE’ at Marlborough Gallery

Experiencing one of late Venezuelan kinetic artist Jesus Raphael Soto’s signature sculptures of hanging plastic cord in 1969, critic Guy Brett remarked that the participant’s ‘physicality was diffused,’ suggesting that moving through the piece breaks down the barrier between bodies and environment.  With or without visitors mingling among the threads in this piece in Marlborough Gallery’s summer group show of abstract and kinetic art, Soto’s installation challenges perception as it morphs from solid to ephemeral, suggesting a work always in flux.   (On view in Chelsea through Sept 10th.)

Jesus Rafael Soto, Penetrable Azul de Valencia, wood and pigmented plastic, unique, 108 5/8 x 366 1/8 x 108 ¼ inches, 1999.

Anni Albers at David Zwirner Gallery

Commissioned for the art-filled Camino Real Hotel in Palanco, Mexico, this vibrant felt hanging by Anni Albers epitomizes the energy expressed by her repeated use of triangles in asymmetrical compositions.  Recently rediscovered, it’s a standout in a collaborative exhibition with the Josef and Anni Albers Foundation and David Zwirner Gallery, a show that asserts Albers’ importance not just to 20th century weaving and textile-based work but to experimentation within the modernist idiom.  (On view in Chelsea through Oct 19th).

Anni Albers, Camino Real, felt, 116 x 105 ¾ inches, 1968.

Bayne Peterson at Kristen Lorello

Titled ‘Curves,’ Bayne Peterson’s solo show of wood and metal sculpture at Kristen Lorello channels sensuous forms of the mid-20th century modernists (Barbara Hepworth, Henry Moore) in dizzying color. At front left, ‘Apollo’ shares a name with the Roman god of music, appropriately, as the sculpture recalls a giant ear resting on a receiver. (On the Lower East Side through Oct 16th).

Bayne Peterson, installation view of ‘Curves’ at Kristen Lorello Gallery, Sept 2016.
Bayne Peterson, installation view of ‘Curves’ at Kristen Lorello Gallery, Sept 2016.

Ibrahim El-Salahi at Salon94

A visit to the Alhambra in Spain inspired Oxford, England-based Sudanese artist Ibrahim El-Salahi to begin his ‘Flamenco’ series, in which he celebrates the music and dance of Andalusia in his signature, modernist style.  (At Salon94 on the Lower East Side through April 18th).

Ibrahim El-Salahi, Flamenco, poster paint on cardboard, 33.875 x 34.625 inches, 2010.
Ibrahim El-Salahi, Flamenco (detail), poster paint on cardboard, 33.875 x 34.625 inches, 2010.

Serge Alain Nitegeka at Marianne Boesky Gallery

Young Johannesburg artist Serge Alain Nitegeka pushes abstraction off the wall at Marianne Boesky Gallery in Chelsea, altering the gallery with paintings that project into the room while simultaneously acting as portals into 2D illusionary spaces. (Through April 23rd).

Serge Alain Nitegeka, Installation view of ‘Colour and Form in Black’ at Marianne Boesky Gallery, March 2016.
Serge Alain Nitegeka, Installation view of ‘Colour and Form in Black’ at Marianne Boesky Gallery, March 2016.