Zaria Forman at Winston Wachter Fine Art

Known for large-scale majestic scenes of nature rendered in pastel on paper, Zaria Forman’s stunning new work takes her drawings to a new level.  Invited by NASA to join their regular data-collecting flights over Greenland and the Antarctic, Forman had access to the landscapes that she recreates in huge pastel drawings that demonstrate the beauty and fragility of our planet’s northern climates.  Here, a supraglacial lake is enchantingly beautiful but also a warmer spot that will contribute to this glacier’s faster melt.  (On view in Chelsea at Winston Wachter Fine Art through Dec 21st).

Zaria Forman, Supraglacial Lake (between Hiawatha and Humboldt Glaciers), Greenland, 79 degrees 6’59.05”N 65 degrees 15’54.99”W, July 19, 2017, soft pastel on paper, 60 x 81 7/8 inches, 2018.

Thomas Struth at Marian Goodman Gallery

Astronauts simulate working in the weightlessness of space in Houston’s Johnson Space Center, where they perform tasks on models in a giant pool; captured by German photographer Thomas Struth, the lab appears to be suspended in space and time, submerged as if in jelly or under glass. (At Marian Goodman Gallery on 57th Street through Dec 22nd).

Thomas Struth, Full-scale Mock-up 1, JSC, Houston, inkjet print, image: 60 7/8 x 110 ¼ inches, 2017.

Thomas Ruff at David Zwirner Gallery

Gunships approach, bombers fly overhead and the Gemini spacecraft blasts off in old press photos and artist renderings gathered by German photographer Thomas Ruff, now on view in Chelsea at David Zwirner Gallery. Ruff scanned both sides of each photo – all of which relate to the U.S. aeronautics and space program in the 20th century – then merged them to merge private notes and public image. (Through April 30th).

Thomas Ruff, press++ 01.65, chromogenic print, 91 ½ x 72 ½ x 2 ¾ inches, 2015.
Thomas Ruff, press++ 01.65, chromogenic print, 91 ½ x 72 ½ x 2 ¾ inches, 2015.