Bendt Eyckermans at Andrew Kreps Gallery

The dramatically-patterned drawn curtains in this painting by young Antwerp-based artist Bendt Eyckermans shut out the sun, but a sense of illumination is nevertheless strong in this symbol-laden interior scene at Andrew Kreps Gallery.  Working in the studio that both his artist father and grandfather have used before him, the youngest artist in a lineage that goes back at least five generations ponders his inheritance by picturing objects with meaningful history.  A sculpture reminiscent of his father’s work crouches on the table in this picture titled ‘The successor,’ while two figures on the left (one nearly hidden behind the other) presumably picture artistic forebears.  A green marble on the orange-toned carpet reads like a warning to self not to slip in their watchful presence.  (On view in Tribeca through June 18th).

Bendt Eyckermans, The successor, oil and ink on linen, 74 3/8 x 62 5/8 inches, 2021.

Tomas Van Houtryve at Anastasia Photo

Paris-based Belgian photographer Tomas Van Houtryve captured this eerie scene – dominated by long human shadows and strange white grids – by flying a drone over a school in California as kids played below. Bold geometries and stark tonal contrasts make each picture look strange, playing to Van Houtryve’s point that drones are increasingly prevalent, yet we see little of them and what they see. (At Anastasia Photo on the Lower East Side through Dec 31st).

Tomas Van Houtryve, Schoolyard, gelatin silver print on Baryta paper, 26 x 40 inches, 2013.
Tomas Van Houtryve, Schoolyard, gelatin silver print on Baryta paper, 26 x 40 inches, 2013.

Luc Tuymans at David Zwirner Gallery

Belgian artist Luc Tuymans is known for paintings that evoke memories. Here, cars reflected in the canals of the Dutch town of Ridderkerk are based on Polaroids taken by the artist. A solid stone bridge meets the evocative green-tinged murk of the canal, recalling moments of leisure spent pondering the water from the land. (At David Zwirner Gallery in Chelsea through June 25th).

Luc Tuymans, Murky Water III, oil on canvas, 92 ¾ x 91 5/8 x 1 5/8 inches, 2015.
Luc Tuymans, Murky Water III, oil on canvas, 92 ¾ x 91 5/8 x 1 5/8 inches, 2015.

Patrick Van Caeckenbergh at Lehmann Maupin Gallery

Belgian artist Patrick Van Caeckenbergh’s meticulous drawings resemble photographs but record trees embellished by his imagination into wondrous monstrosities. (At Lehmann Maupin Gallery on the Lower East Side through August 21st).

Patrick Van Caeckenbergh, Drawing of Old Trees during wintry days 2007-2014, pencil and paint on paper, 21.06 x 30.79 inches, 2007 – 2014.

Hans Op de Beeck at Marianne Boesky Gallery

Since 2009, Brussels-based Belgian artist Hans Op de Beeck has been painting black and white watercolors during the night, as a contrast to days spent in a busy studio making art that includes CGI animations, video, installation and more. Empty of people and highly atmospheric, the watercolors are a peaceful and evocative contrast to the digital realm. (At Marianne Boesky Gallery in Chelsea through May 2nd).

Hans Op de Beeck, Seascape, Cloudy Sky, black and white watercolor on Arches paper in wooden frame, 51 ½ x 100 ¼ x 1 ½ inches, 2014.