Color appears to move and shift, sometimes without the constraints of form in Scott Olson’s new oil paintings at James Cohan Gallery on the Lower East Side. Recalling Umberto Boccioni without the urgency or Robert Delaunay with less defined geometry, Olson channels early 20th century experiments in abstraction with subtle nods to the organic world and a palette that alternatively soothes and excites. (On view through April 23rd).
From the depths of Katharina Grosse’s huge abstractions, shapes materialize and invite interpretation. The Berlin-based artist describes her new works as “portals to a small room, where all the color has been crammed into a tiny space.” Peering into these openings is an intense optical experience. (At Gagosian Gallery’s 24th Street Chelsea location through March 11th).
Veteran painter Susan Rothenberg’s huge red bird is an arresting standout in a solo show stocked with tense paintings of animals in intense, fraught colors. (At Sperone Westwater Gallery through Dec 20th).
It’s easy to recognize this scene by legendary photographer William Eggleston, without even knowing where it was shot. Typically Eggleston, its bright, saturated colors and subject matter featuring an everyday American landscape and vernacular architecture are deeply familiar. (At David Zwirner Gallery in Chelsea through Dec 17th).
Thirty foot long sheets of paper, covered in Zipora Fried’s handmade marks in colored pencil and graphite hang like banners from the ceiling of On Stellar Rays, announcing the amount of time and effort Fried put into her project. Installed in folds, viewers don’t see the full extent of Fried’s mark-making but can still absorb the deeply calming cobalt and delft blue colors. (On the Lower East Side through Dec 4th).
