Patrick Jacobs in ‘Double Down’ at Pierogi Gallery

Patrick Jacobs – known for meticulously crafted dioramas set into the wall – offers another marvelously detailed scene in Pierogi Gallery’s summer group show ‘Double Down,’ which features artwork that involves doubling. Here, a toilet and its reflection suggest plumbing abundance in otherwise cramped quarters. (On the Lower East Side through August 12th).

Patrick Jacobs, ‘Two Heads Are Better Than One,’ styrene, cast neoprene, paper, polyurethane foam, ash, talc, starch, acrylate, vinyl film, copper, wood, steel, lighting, BK7 glass, interior box: 12.5 (H) x 14 (W) x 9.25 (D) inches, 2017.

Patrick Jacobs at Hasted Kraeutler in ‘Great Photographs: Scapes’

Patrick Jacobs, 'Window with View of the Gowanus Heights,' diorama composed of various materials, 2012.
Patrick Jacobs, ‘Window with View of the Gowanus Heights,’ diorama composed of various materials, 2012.

‘Window with View of the Gowanus Heights,’ a tiny, meticulous diorama by Patrick Jacobs set into the gallery wall, imagines what paradise would look like if it suddenly materialized beyond the fire escape.  It is part of the group exhibition, ‘Great Photographs: Scapes’ at Hasted Kraeutler, which includes huge photos of lush forests and burning woods, magnificent aerial views and vintage prints of the 19th century Colorado railroad.  But it’s Jacobs’ humble ‘what if’ that really dares to dream big by turning a superfund site into a verdant Eden. (Though July 20th.)