Carlos Vega at Jack Shainman Gallery

From persecuted religious figures to the first recorded female sculptor in Spain, Spanish artist Carlos Vega’s portrait paintings bring to light histories of remarkable women who refused traditional gender roles.  Here, Vega switches from mortals to marvel at the divine with an image of Lakshmi, Hindu goddess of wealth, fortune, prosperity.  (On view at Jack Shainman Gallery in Chelsea through March 30th).

Carlos Vega, Lakshmi, acrylic on canvas, 79 5/8 x 45 ¾ x 2 ½ inches, 2019.

Carlos Vega in ‘Compilation’ at Jack Shainman Gallery

On two cold, grey sheets of lead, Spanish-born artist Carlos Vega depicts a tree bearing lively fruit represented by used postage stamps – icons drawn from a diverse array of cultures and times.  (At Jack Shainman’s 20th St location through Aug 17th).  

Carlos Vega, detail of ‘Ivory Tower,’ stamps and oil paint on lead, 2012.