Joan Bankemper in ‘Summer Gardens’ at Nancy Hoffman Gallery

Gardens are Joan Bankemper’s inspiration, whether she’s crafting a vase-form covered in flowers and bees or helping plan community gardens. At Chelsea’s Nancy Hoffman Gallery, Bankemper combines handmade and found flowers, vessels and spiritual beings in this riotous sculpted garden. (On view through Sept 1st).

Joan Bankemper, Morning Glory, ceramic, 32 x 18 x 18 inches, 2012.

The Haas Brothers in ‘Cells’ at Marianne Boesky Gallery

Tree fungus and corals inspired the Haas Brothers’ signature accretion vases; joined by the LA duo’s silver plated lamps (at rear), walnut furniture and paintings, they open Marianne Boesky Gallery’s summer group exhibition with an appreciation for the strange and lighthearted. (In Chelsea through August 11th).

Haas Brothers, installation view of ‘Cells’ at Marianne Boesky Gallery featuring Unique, hand-thrown Father Vase with Matte White Porcelain Accretion and Erbium Neck, 20 ½ x 10 ½ inches, 2017.

Ben Sanders in ‘Elysian Redux’ at Asya Geisberg Gallery

Taking an 80s aesthetic as inspiration, Ben Sander’s steel vase is a surprisingly sturdy support for an abstract design of floating shapes and heavily textured lines of lavender paint. Sander’s accompanying 2-D work behind likewise balances the substantial – thick marks resembling giant paint strokes – with unanchored shapes including ping pong and Wiffle balls to offer an amusing musing on taste. (At Chelsea’s Asya Geisberg Gallery through June 25th).

Ben Sanders, Blue Tube Dude, enamel and oil on steel, 16 x 6 inches, 2016 in front of ‘Untitled,’ acrylic on magnet-inlaid MDF, rubber, ping pong balls, Wiffle ball on enameled steel, 28 x 34.5 inches.
Ben Sanders, Blue Tube Dude, enamel and oil on steel, 16 x 6 inches, 2016 in front of ‘Untitled,’ acrylic on magnet-inlaid MDF, rubber, ping pong balls, Wiffle ball on enameled steel, 28 x 34.5 inches.

Billy Childish at Lehmann Maupin Gallery

It comes as no surprise that British artist Billy Childish counts Van Gogh as an influence. By putting these sunflowers in a vessel that recalls Gauguin’s ceramics, Childish marries two artists who lived outside of conventional society in an image that pulsates with pattern. (At Lehmann Maupin’s West 22nd Street location through Oct 31st).

Billy Childish, Sunflowers, oil and charcoal on linen, 60.04 x 42.13 inches, 2015.