Barbara Takenaga at DC Moore Gallery

Abstract painter Barbara Takenaga stakes out new territory in recent works at DC Moore Gallery in Chelsea, introducing compositions dominated by curvy organic shapes (recalling bodies by Gladys Nilsson) and bordered by bright red contour lines.  The 12 foot long ‘Two for Bontecou’ features a fragmented circular object with a void at center a la sculptor Lee Bontecou, and appears to combine deliberately rendered forms with Takenaga’s signature change-driven mark-making.  Here, in ‘Red Turnout,’ a multi-colored form snakes up from below while a signature explosion of white marks covers the canvas, contributing to this painting’s dynamic impact.  (On view through April 27th in Chelsea).

Barbara Takenaga, Red Turnout, acrylic on linen, 70 x 60 inches, 2024.

Barbara Takenaga at DCMoore Gallery

Both chance paint pours and deliberate, meticulous mark-making comprise Barbara Takenaga’s otherworldly abstractions at DC Moore Gallery.  New, profuse forms suggest fireworks displays or the wonders of unseen life under a microscope.  This small detail of a larger canvas sets paint swirls against hanging strings of beaded forms, two elements that would seem incompatible but which instead offer unexpected depth and an apparent glimpse into a mysterious world.  (On view in Chelsea through Dec 23rd.  Masks and social distancing required).

Barbara Takenaga, (detail of) Pearly, acrylic on linen, 20 x 16 inches, 2020.

Barbara Takenaga at DC Moore Gallery

Barbara Takenaga’s abstract paintings evoke natural phenomena – here, a polished cross section of a stone or a distant view of far galaxies.  In the case of ‘Overview,’ a standout in her latest solo show at Chelsea gallery DC Moore, she electrifies the heavens with vibrant color and gratifying complexity.  (On view through Oct 6th).

Barbara Takenaga, Overhead, acrylic on linen, 37 ¾ x 35 9/16 inches, 2017.

Barbara Takenaga at DC Moore Gallery

Set against wallpaper developed for an installation at Mass MoCA, Barbara Takenaga’s ‘Life’ looks like an implosion inside of a molecular structure. The effect is eye-popping in person. (At DC Moore Gallery in Chelsea through April 30th).

Barbara Takenaga, Lift II, acrylic on linen, 54 x 45 inches, 2015.
Barbara Takenaga, Lift II, acrylic on linen, 54 x 45 inches, 2015.

Twenty by Sixteen at Morgan Lehman Gallery

Does affordable art exist in Chelsea anymore? ‘Twenty by Sixteen,’ a group exhibition of paintings at Morgan Lehman Gallery by 40 artists – many well-known – in 20” x 16” format offers something for everyone with all work under $11,000 and many pieces under $5,000. (In Chelsea through May 2nd).

Installation view of Twenty by Sixteen at Morgan Lehman Gallery with works by Amy Lincoln (far right) and Barbara Takenaga (middle), April 2015.