Rico Gatson at Miles McEnery Gallery

Like two huge eyes or dual portals into the unknown, Rico Gatson’s ‘Untitled (Double Consciousness)’ is dominated by two intersecting sets of concentric circles, a repeated motif in his current show of painting titled ‘Spectral Visions’ at Miles McEnery Gallery.  The work’s title suggests a simultaneous looking outward and inward; its vibrant color indicating a state of heightened awareness.  Inspired by mathematician Ron Eglash’s study of fractal forms found in African patterns and spiritual expressions in the work of artists like Hilma af Klint and Emma Kunz, Gatson harnesses geometry to express kinds of order that exist beyond the conscious realm. (On view through Jan 28th).

Rico Gatson, Untitled (Double Consciousness), acrylic paint and glitter on wood, 36 x 48 inches, 2022.

Haroon Mirza at Lisson Gallery

Known for artwork that favors experience over objects, Haroon Mirza was inspired by a mind-boggling proposal which he has made into the central concept behind his current exhibition at Chelsea’s Lisson Gallery.  Introduced in a British sci-fi novel from the 30s and advanced in the 60s by the physicist Freeman Dyson, the Dyson Sphere is a series of orbiting platforms erected around a star to harvest solar energy.  Mirza creates a mini version at the center of the gallery; a ring of solar panels collects energy from the halogen lights at center, providing energy to power various artworks around the gallery, including a terrarium of hallucinogenic cacti and a simple machine that plays a set of drums.  (On view in Chelsea through Feb 12th).

Haroon Mirza, installation view of ‘For A Dyson Sphere,’ Lisson Gallery, February 2022.

Alice Aycock at Marlborough Gallery

‘Wind, waves, turbines and vortexes of energy’ take solid form in Alice Aycock’s undulating aluminum sculptures at Marlborough Gallery.  Intended to evoke the power of natural elements, Aycock’s cyclones – towering or tiny – are static but strongly suggestive, resembling game pieces, cut paper or dancing forms.  (On view in Chelsea through Feb 27th).

Alice Aycock, installation view Marlborough Gallery, Dec 2021.