Mario Merz at Sperone Westwater Gallery

Iconic Italian Arte Povera artist Mario Merz demonstrated his ongoing interest in the Fibonacci sequence this spiral table from 1982, now on view at Sperone Westwater Gallery. Merz translates the Fibonacci numbers – in which each number is the sum of the previous two – into a symbolic display of nature’s beautiful bounty. (On the Lower East Side through June 25th).

Mario Merz, Tavola a spirale (Spiral Table), aluminum, glass, fruit, vegetables, laurel branches, tar paper and beeswax, 216 inches diameter, 1982.
Mario Merz, Tavola a spirale (Spiral Table), aluminum, glass, fruit, vegetables, laurel branches, tar paper and beeswax, 216 inches diameter, 1982.

James Siena at Sargent’s Daughters

Using his collection of manual typewriters, James Siena departs from his characteristic patterned, ruled-based paintings to designs resembling concrete poetry in a joint show with Orly Genger at Sargent’s Daughters. Including both legible numbers and abstract design, works like this one create an entertaining conundrum for the eye. (On the Lower East Side through Oct 26th).

James Siena, 1234567890 (ascending and descending in two directions), ink on paper, 11 x 8 ½ inches, 2013.