Emil Lukas at Sperone Westwater Gallery

Sometimes using as much as a mile of thread, Stockertown, PA based artist Emil Lukas creates an ambiguous and intriguing sense of space in two-dimensional wall pieces like ‘Red Gas,’ seen here in detail.  (At Sperone Westwater on the Lower East Side through Feb 22nd).  

Emil Lukas, Red Gas (detail), thread over wood frame with nails, 16 x 14 inches, 2013.

Cesar at Luxembourg and Dayan

Cesar’s process art fills Upper East Side gallery Luxembourg & Dayan in a mini-retrospective ongoing until the end of this month.  Here, ‘Compressions’ of heavy-duty fabrics that bring that bring to mind commerce (jute sacks) and work clothes (corduroy) contrast a shiny plastic ‘Expansion’ which seems to exist for visual pleasure.  (Through Jan 31st).  

Cesar.  On walls:  three Mural Compressions (Jute Sack, Wool Blanket & Corduroy – all 1976.)  On floor:  Expansion N35/15, polyester reinforced with fiberglass, mauve lacquer, 1972.

Rosie Lee Tompkins in ‘Roving Signs’ at Matthew Marks Gallery

Further to yesterday’s post, another standout at Matthew Marks Gallery is this quilt by legendary (and pseudonymous) quilter Rosie Lee Tompkins.  Titled ‘Three Sixes,’ it follows Tompkins’ practice of making her quilts as a prayer for a loved one; in this case commemorating three relatives’ birthdays that involve the number six. (At Matthew Marks Gallery’s 522 W. 22nd St space through Aug 16th).  

Rosie Lee Tompkins, Three Sixes, polyester double-knit, polyester knit, broadcloth, ottoman, poplin, wool jersey with muslin backing, 1987.

Paula Wilson at Sikkema Jenkins

Paula Wilson’s slice of the city street, created in tapestry at Philadelphia’s Fabric Workshop and Museum, is a stunner in Sikkema Jenkins’ current summer group show.  Surprisingly erotic architectural details and graffiti are a lively and provocative contrast to boarded up buildings that look as if they’ve seen better days.  (In Chelsea through July 12th.)  

Paula Wilson, ‘Between Two,’ silkscreen pigment, acrylic, felt, paper, canvas, wood block prints, spray paint, steel rod, wood hangers, 2010.