Urs Fischer at Gagosian Gallery

Urs Fischer wants art to ‘do more than it does.’  With a team of software engineers and the input of choreographer Madeline Hollander, the New York-based Swiss artist sets out to surprise gallery visitors with a troupe of dancing office chairs, programmed to interact with each other and humans.  Dubbed ‘robotic sculptures,’ the chairs come across as sinister if they come up behind you but strangely cute from the front as they hover nearby, slowly swiveling their wheels like a dog wagging its tail.  Here, several engage in a group animation reminiscent of a chorus-line about to kick up its heels. (On view at Gagosian Gallery through Oct 13th).

Urs Fischer, installation view of ‘Play’ at Gagosian Gallery’s 522 West 21st Street location, September, 2018.

Scott Alario at Kristen Lorello Gallery

Art can be playful but doesn’t often involve play; Scott Alario’s images of an alien invasion – enacted with his young son – result in photos like this arresting image of a Star Wars limited edition cereal box used as avatar and shield. (On view at Kristen Lorello Gallery on the Lower East Side through Jan 27th).

Scott Alario, The Sugar Awakens, dye sublimation print, 32 x 24 inches, 2007.