Tag: security

Uuriintuya Dagvasambuu at Sapar Contemporary

Standing in a circle of flames or wearing a crown of skulls, Buddhist protector deities can manifest in terrifying ways.  Mongolian artist Uuriintuya Dagvasambuu’s guardians, now on view in her solo show at Sapar Contemporary in Tribeca, are more obviously benevolent. Wearing Converse with her armor, this enlightened female figure holds a lotus as a symbol of her state of awareness while gazing forward with confidence.  Perched on an outcrop of land instead of the typical lotus and supported below by the flower of the edelweiss plant, a hardy species found from the Himalayas to Mongolia, Dagvasambuu’s figure engages tradition from a contemporary perspective with humor and respect.  (On view through Oct 10th).

Uuriintuya Dagvasambuu, Security 1, acrylic on canvas, 2023.

Nyoman Masriadi at Paul Kasmin Gallery

Known for painting muscled men who radiate strength, Indonesian artist Nyoman Masriadi creates a painting seething with tension as two guards interrogate a party-goer who claims to be ‘on the list.’ Each towering painting in the show (this one is over six feet tall) seethes with drama as it pokes fun at various powerful men. (At Paul Kasmin Gallery’s 293 Tenth Ave location through June 18th).

Nyoman Masriadi, Serta Merta, acrylic on canvas, 79 x 118 ½ inches, 2013.
Nyoman Masriadi, Serta Merta, acrylic on canvas, 79 x 118 ½ inches, 2013.

Liu Bolin at Klein Sun Gallery

Beijing-based artist Liu Bolin pictures himself in this larger-than-life sculpture going through airport security. Contrary to the freedom of flying, the artist describes this gesture as abandoning independence and offering a prayer for safety. Covered in designs based on snack food packaging, Liu Bolin simultaneously suggests identity further compromised. (At Chelsea’s Klein Sun Gallery through Nov 1st).

Liu Bolin, Security Check No 1, acrylic on copper, 80 ¾ x 37 3/8 x 21 5/8 inches, 2014.

Roxy Paine at Marianne Boesky Gallery

A room eighty feet long is condensed into 18 feet in Roxy Paine’s latest uncanny scene from his Diorama series – an airport security checkpoint crafted entirely in maple wood, devoid of humans and presented for contemplation. (At Chelsea’s Marianne Boesky Gallery through October 18th).

Roxy Paine, Checkpoint, maple, aluminum, fluorescent light bulbs, and acrylic prismatic light diffusers, 14 ‘ h x 26’ – 11” w x 18’ – 7 1/2” d, 2014.

Mona Hatoum at Alexander & Bonin Gallery

London-based Palestinian artist Mona Hatoum is known for sculptures that question the sanctity and safety of home; here, it’s the visitor who must beware of a prickly welcome. (Spotted in Alexander and Bonin Gallery’s third floor viewing space, Chelsea).

Mona Hatoum, Doormat, stainless steel and nickel-plated pins, glue and canvas, 1 x 28 x 16 inches, 1996.