Martine Syms at Bridget Donahue

Martine Syms fans expect a stream-of-conscious outpouring of text and image (as in her recent diaristic book, ‘Shame Space’) and her latest solo at Bridget Donahue will not disappoint.  Videos housed in custom, laser-cut cardboard boxes covered in fragments of commercial imagery or even inserted into a corner of a hanging dry cleaning bag run counter to typical sleek gallery video presentations.  Positioned in front of one video wall, this chair titled ‘Bonnet Core’ sports frilly lace at the edges, abundant text and a high heeled pink boot next to one chair leg.  Accompanied by a press release written by Alissa Bennett detailing enthusiastic engagement with an auction of Janet Jackson’s belongings earlier this year, the show speaks to our deeply personal yet shared experience of pop culture.  (On view through Sept 25th on the Lower East Side).

Martine Syms, Bonnet Core, cotton, rhinestones, metal, paint, lace, polyester, thread, 39 3/8 x 18 1/8 x 25 ¾ inches, 2021.

Satoshi Kojima at Bridget Donahue Gallery

Satoshi Kojima’s pastel-colored dreamscapes feature a few enigmatic characters engaging in mysterious rituals. Here, two dapper yet sinisterly blank-eyed men either wave goodbye or set out to stop any trains that might roll into a platform that looks like a stage. (On view at Bridget Donahue Gallery on the Lower East Side through Aug 4th).

Satoshi Kojima, Last Dance, oil on canvas, 70.875 x 86.625 inches, 2016.

Jessi Reaves at Bridget Donahue

A foam couch, a broken glass table and lamps made of driftwood define young New York artist Jessi Reaves’ slacker design aesthetic in furniture art now on view at Bridget Donahue. Here, plywood, foam and driftwood create a giant letter ‘O’ which is simultaneously a seat, shelving and an opportunity to experience an ‘Oh…’ moment while discovering Reaves’ forays into unfinish. (On the Lower East Side through June 5th).

Jessi Reaves, Cabinet for Rotten Log, plywood, driftwood, 2016.
Jessi Reaves, Cabinet for Rotten Log, plywood, driftwood, 2016.