Yayoi Kusama in ‘Alternative Worlds’ at Michael Rosenfeld Gallery

Mirrors, lights and long lines of visitors usually accompany Yayoi Kusama’s Chelsea exhibitions; Michael Rosenfeld Gallery’s selection of the artist’s smaller scale 2-D and 3-D work from the 50s and 80s is a quieter affair but a gem for Kusama fans.  Here, two box-shaped sculptures feature the artist’s signature nets, polka dots and phallic forms, bringing together pattern and texture in abundance.  Despite this work’s title, ‘Ruins (Haikyo),’ clustered protrusions resembling eggs in a nest appear to embody life and movement.  (On view through July 30th.  Masks and social distancing required.)

Yayoi Kusama, Ruins (Haikyo), mixed media box assemblage with sewn and painted fabric, faux fur and paint, 11 ¾ x 11 ¾ x 4 inches, 1984.

Sonya Kelliher-Combs in ‘Ecofeminism(s)’ at Thomas Erben Gallery

Last summer’s popular group show ‘Ecofeminism(s)’ at Thomas Erben Gallery, curated by Monika Fabijanska, has reopened after the summer break for another brief run.  Audiences can take in artworks by iconic artists who probe human relationships to nature and get another chance to check out Alaska-based Sonya Kelliher-Combs’ delicately crafted ‘Mark, Polar Bear,’ which veils the U.S. flag with polar bear fur. (On view in Chelsea through Sept 26th.  No appointment is necessary but visitor numbers are limited and masks are required.)

Sonya Kelliher-Combs, Mark, Polar Bear, acrylic polymer, polar bear fur, fabric flag, metal brackets, 40 x 65 inches, 2019.

Victoria Gitman at Garth Greenan Gallery

Vintage fur handbags by Victoria Gitman amaze with their abundant color and detail at Garth Greenan Gallery in Chelsea. With the contours of the purses cropped, Gitman’s arrangements resemble color field painting or Peruvian feather work. (On view through Feb 17th).

Victoria Gitman, Untitled, oil on board, 6 ¼ x 8 inches, 2017.

Eirik Saether at 47 Canal

For his first show in the US, Oslo-based artist Eirik Saether suggests strange, hybrid identities with furry cast feet and hand-stitched skirt. (At 47 Canal on the LES through July 31st.)

Eirik Saether, Staplass (Throat infection), printed silk and textile acrylic on fleece blanket; steel cast polyurethane, fur, dog collar, steel chain, polyester, printed denim, 2015.