Felix Gonzalez-Torres at David Zwirner Gallery

Long strands of clear and white plastic beads by late artist Felix Gonzalez-Torres are an austere version of the usually colorful plastic beading hung in homes. Here in the huge, Spartan spaces of David Zwirner Gallery (which marks joint representation of the artist with Andrea Rosen Gallery with this show), the curtain has the sobering effect intended, heightening our awareness of passing from one state to another. (On 20th Street in Chelsea through June 24th).

Felix Gonzalez-Torres, “Untitled” (Chemo), strands of beads and hanging device, dimensions vary with installation, 1991. Glenstone Museum, Potomac, Maryland.

Mark Dion in ‘We Need to Talk’ at Petzel Gallery

Petzel Gallery’s current must-see show, ‘We Need to Talk,’ is a tour de force of heart-felt political statement, from a video shot at Standing Rock to a neon sign reading, ‘What if Women Ruled the World?’ In between, Mark Dion’s 1991 ‘FBI Tool Bag of Dirty Tricks’ is a standout that’s turning into a classic. (In Chelsea through Feb 11th).

Mark Dion, F.B.I. Tool Bag of Dirty Tricks, fabric bag, nine tools covered in liquid rubber with enamel, extra item: plunger, 1991.
Mark Dion, F.B.I. Tool Bag of Dirty Tricks, fabric bag, nine tools covered in liquid rubber with enamel, extra item: plunger, 1991.