Franz West at David Zwirner

Resting on their stately pedestals like exhibits at the Met, late Viennese sculptor Franz West’s candy-colored abstract sculptures may strike a serious pose but still exude nose-thumbing absurdity. (At David Zwirner Gallery’s 20th Street location through Dec 13th).

Franz West, Untitled (10 Sculptures), papier-mache, plaster, polyester, gauze, paint, plastic, metal and wood in eleven parts, dimensions variable, 1990-1997.

Franz West at Gagosian Gallery

Late Austrian artist Franz West depicts Biblical characters Cain and Abel in a standoff in this typically pop-colored, messy abstract sculpture from 1986 at Chelsea’s Gagosian gallery. Using abjection and humor West makes their iconic conflict seem odd and not a little pathetic. (Through July 18th).

Franz West, Cain ova Incontro ad Abele, epoxy resin, lacquer, steel, 1986.