Daniel Gordon in ‘Rose is a Rose is a Rose is a Rose’ at Jack Hanley Gallery

Taking flowers or nature as the theme for a summer group exhibition isn’t particularly original or necessarily avant-garde.  Still, nature’s beauty and uplift as symbol of regeneration is irresistible to audiences and to the curators of ‘A Rose is a Rose is a Rose’ at Jack Hanley Gallery, who apologetically admit that painting flowers is ‘embarrassing.’  This paper sculpture by Daniel Gordon, which recalls still lives throughout art history (think Cezanne and Matisse) and pushes the possibilities of photography as sculpture, suggests that the show’s organizers have nothing to worry about.  (On view on the Lower East Side through August 3rd).

Daniel Gordon, Poppies, Pitcher & Fruits, pigment prints, glue and wire, 41 x 51 x 18 inches, 2018.

Warren MacKenzie at Driscoll Babcock Galleries

Minnesota-based nonagenarian ceramic artist Warren MacKenzie means for his creations to be used. A selection of work at Driscoll Babcock Galleries, including this attractive arrangement of cups and bowls, holds out the idea of living with beautiful things. (In Chelsea through Feb 25th).

Warren MacKenzie, installation view of ‘A Master’s Hand’ at Driscoll Babcock Galleries, Jan 2017.
Warren MacKenzie, installation view of ‘A Master’s Hand’ at Driscoll Babcock Galleries, Jan 2017.

China: Through the Looking Glass at the Metropolitan Museum of Art

One of the most divine dresses in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s exhibition of China-inspired Western fashions is this evening gown by Guo Pei in the museum’s Chinese Buddhist sculpture galleries. Though the model’s dress incorporates a lotus throne like the sculpture, it doesn’t seem to advocate any rejection of worldly pleasures. (Through Sept 7th).

Guo Pei, Evening Gown, spring/summer 2007, Haute Couture, gold lame embroidered with gold and silver silk, metal and sequins.

Dale Chihuly at Marlborough Gallery

The dramatic centerpiece of Dale Chihuly’s show of recent work at Marlborough Gallery’s 57th Street space combines burnt logs, glass ‘reeds’ and neon light in a scenario that evokes nature but with overtly man-made objects and forms. Sapphire lights and the juxtaposition of sharp and round shapes both draw in and confound the eye. (Through April 11th).

Dale Chihuly, Sapphire Neon with Burned Logs and Neodymium Reeds, neon lights, burned wood and hand blown glass over stainless steel rods, 96 x 252, 180 inches, 2015.

Kathy Butterly at Tibor de Nagy

New York ceramic artist Kathy Butterly’s new work at 57th Street gallery Tibor de Nagy demonstrates her inexhaustible ability to invent new, evocative forms for both standard vessels and abstract shapes. Though less than 9 inches high, the tiny artworks are powerful. (Through April 12th).

Kathy Butterly, Chatter (foreground), clay, glaze, 6 x 7 x 4 1/8 inches, 2013.