British artist Marc Quinn has referred to his gargantuan bronze seashell sculptures as Venus’ pedestal (from Botticelli’s famous painting), a spiraling symbol of the world in motion, and a ‘symbol of a woman’s sex.’ Towering at over eight feet high, what they most symbolize (along with Jeff Koons’ and Paul McCarthy’s current Chelsea shows) is enormous production values. (At Mary Boone Gallery through June 29th).
Marc Quinn, Map of the Space-Time Continuum, bronze, 2013.
Political corruption inspired these monumental sculptures by German artist Thomas Schutte, located at the southern corner of Central Park and Fifth Avenue. Tied together, the characters are unable to escape each other, though their construction on three stilt-like legs suggests that what precarious balance they do have is due to their fractious unity. (On view through August 25th. For more info, visit the Public Art Fund.)
Thomas Schutte, ‘United Enemies,’ bronze, 2011.
Conceived of by accident when a shirt used as a glue rag dried into an arresting form, Matt Johnson’s Wifebeater is as pedestrian and delicately ephemeral as a plastic bag in the wind. At least on first glance. A closer look reveals Johnson’s trademark twist of using unlikely materials to make his sculpture. This t-shirt is made of bronze. (At Chelsea’s 303 Gallery through Nov 17th.)