Without a frame and installed directly on the wall, Yashua Klos’ large collage of woodblock prints at the entrance to Chelsea’s Sikkema Malloy Jenkins Gallery has attention-grabbing immediacy and presence. Recalling Hokusai’s famous 19th century woodblock print of powerful waves and referring to the current tumult experienced by many Black creatives today in the art and entertainment industries, Klos nevertheless projects calm amid the chaos. Surrounded by waves, rubble and building materials, a figure clings to or rests upon a flat surface near three additional figures: a man with eyes closed, a hovering mask and an individual in a fez-like hat. Despite the threat surrounding them, the four stoic figures recall long histories of resilience. (On view in Chelsea through March 21st.)
