Karen Heagle’s sumptuous, gold leaved paintings of scavengers, predators and fallen prey are irresistible, even at their goriest moments. On a solitary drawing, the text ‘The Unwashed Masses’ hints that Heagle’s interests stray beyond the lifecycle of animals to reflect on humanity’s ‘natural’ inclination to violence. (At On Stellar Rays on the Lower East Side through Feb 19th).

Karen Heagle, Untitled Scene (three vultures and a carcass), acrylic, ink, collage, gold and copper leaf on paper, 22 ½ x 29 ½ inches, 2016.
Karen Heagle, Untitled Scene (three vultures and a carcass), acrylic, ink, collage, gold and copper leaf on paper, 22 ½ x 29 ½ inches, 2016.