Raven Halfmoon in ‘Claypop’ at Jeffrey Deitch, New York

by Merrily KerrDon't Miss, Features & Commissions, Hottest ShowPosted on Comments are Disabled

Two towering heads are positioned back-to-back in Raven Halfmoon’s powerful monumental stoneware sculpture ‘Bah’hatteno Nut’tehtsei (Red River Girl in Caddo).’  A standout in ‘Claypop,’ Jeffrey Deitch Gallery’s new group show of contemporary ceramic artwork curated by director Alia Williams, the work’s textured surface suggests rock carved from the landscape while Halfmoon’s spray-painted face-markings and signature on the side connects the piece to contemporary urban artistic expression. (On view in SoHo through Oct 30th.)

Raven Halfmoon, Bah’hatteno Nut’tehtsei (Red River Girl in Caddo), stoneware, glaze, 2021.

Brendan Lee Satish Tang in ‘Earthen Delights’ at C24 Gallery

by Merrily KerrDon't Miss, Features & Commissions, Hottest ShowPosted on Comments are Disabled

Canadian artist Brendan Lee Satish Tang’s blend of traditional-looking ceramics and robot-like forms at C24 are unlike anything in the Chelsea galleries now. Inspired by both ormolu, a technique popular in 18th century France that involved adding decorative elements to existing art objects, as well as manga/anime culture, Tang grafts ceramic elements onto bases that look like engines, rockets or robots.  His curious hybrids crash together different times and histories to humorous and intriguing effect.  (On view through July 17th.  Masks and social distancing required).

Brendan Lee Satish Tang, Manga Ormolu 4.0r, ceramic and mixed media, 16 x 20 x 13 inches, 2013.

Kathy Butterly at James Cohan Gallery

by Merrily KerrDon't Miss, Features & Commissions, Hottest ShowPosted on Comments are Disabled

Vases grimace and boxes flirt in Kathy Butterly’s sometimes anthropomorphic, always charmingly eccentric ceramic sculptures.  Butterly’s new work – on view for the first time at James Cohan Gallery – is larger than ever and still defying convention with its raucous combinations of color and forms.  (In Chelsea through Oct 20th).

Kathy Butterly, Flux, clay, glaze, 7 ¾ x 7 ¼ x 7 inches, 2018.

Warren MacKenzie at Driscoll Babcock Galleries

by Merrily KerrDon't Miss, Features & Commissions, Hottest ShowPosted on Comments are Disabled

Minnesota-based nonagenarian ceramic artist Warren MacKenzie means for his creations to be used. A selection of work at Driscoll Babcock Galleries, including this attractive arrangement of cups and bowls, holds out the idea of living with beautiful things. (In Chelsea through Feb 25th).

Warren MacKenzie, installation view of ‘A Master’s Hand’ at Driscoll Babcock Galleries, Jan 2017.
Warren MacKenzie, installation view of ‘A Master’s Hand’ at Driscoll Babcock Galleries, Jan 2017.

Ward Shelly, Douglas Paulson and Carol K Brown at Pierogi Gallery

by Merrily KerrDon't Miss, Features & Commissions, Hottest ShowPosted on Comments are Disabled

Thousands of books with fake titles create a false and fun library at Pierogi Gallery, where a not-quite-homey feel is completed by Carol K. Brown’s editioned porcelain plate featuring a down-on-his-luck wanderer. (At Pierogi Gallery on the Lower East Side through May 8th).

Installation view of Ward Shelly and Douglas Paulson’s ‘The Last Library,’ with plate by Carol K. Brown at Pierogi Gallery, April 2016.
Installation view of Ward Shelly and Douglas Paulson’s ‘The Last Library,’ with plate by Carol K. Brown at Pierogi Gallery, April 2016.