Leigh Ruple at Morgan Lehman Gallery

A chain link fence rises like steam before a fiery sunset in Leigh Ruple’s ‘Metropolitan Avenue,’ an otherwise nondescript industrial scene turned electric by intense light, bands of color and prowling cats. (On view at Morgan Lehman Gallery in Chelsea through Feb 10th).

Leigh Ruple, Metropolitan Avenue, oil on canvas, 66 h x 72 w inches, 2017.

Hildur Asgeirsdottir Jonsson in ‘Brushless’ at Morgan Lehman Gallery

Brain scans, microorganisms and landscapes inspire Hildur Asgeirsdottir Jonsson’s woven silk textiles. In this detail from the towering, ten foot tall Dynjandi #2, Jonsson evokes the powerful force of a waterfall in her native Iceland. (At Morgan Lehman Gallery in Chelsea through July 28th).

Hildur Asgeirsdottir Jonsson, detail of Dynjandi #2, silk and dyes, 120 x 114 inches, 2017.

Amy Lincoln at Morgan Lehman Gallery

New York artist Amy Lincoln carefully studies particular plants, then incorporates them in paintings of the natural world so crisp and vibrantly colored, they’re almost hallucinogenic. (At Morgan Lehman Gallery in Chelsea through May 7th).

Amy Lincoln, Variegated Rubber Plant, acrylic on panel, 20 x 16 inches, 2016.
Amy Lincoln, Variegated Rubber Plant, acrylic on panel, 20 x 16 inches, 2016.

Twenty by Sixteen at Morgan Lehman Gallery

Does affordable art exist in Chelsea anymore? ‘Twenty by Sixteen,’ a group exhibition of paintings at Morgan Lehman Gallery by 40 artists – many well-known – in 20” x 16” format offers something for everyone with all work under $11,000 and many pieces under $5,000. (In Chelsea through May 2nd).

Installation view of Twenty by Sixteen at Morgan Lehman Gallery with works by Amy Lincoln (far right) and Barbara Takenaga (middle), April 2015.

Paul Villinski at Morgan Lehman Gallery

Butterflies inspire and energize New York City artist Paul Villinski’s sculptural practice, which includes a self-portrait sculpture that doubles as a butterfly habitat, butterflies crafted from cans, and a purpose-built containment area designed to breed butterflies (pictured here in detail). His latest show at Morgan Lehman in Chelsea features all three projects, collectively showcasing the wonder of this insect. (Through Oct 11th).

Paul Villinski, (detail) Butterfly Machine, mixed media, electric and hydroponic components, plants, butterflies, 2014.