Forcefield in ‘What Nerve!’ at Matthew Marks Gallery

Art made outside of New York art scene from the 60s to the present inspired Matthew Marks Gallery’s group show this summer, an exhibition that includes work by the collective ‘Forcefield’ who are known for their unconventional costuming. Here, Lord of the Rings inspires a contemporary chain mail chic. (In Chelsea through August 14th).

Forcefield, Lord of the Rings Modulator Shroud, stainless steel ID rings, 2002-15.

Pepo Salazar in ‘Grand Illusion(s)’ at Simon Preston Gallery

In the still of Simon Preston Gallery, Paris-based artist Pepo Salazar stretches a slim yet commandeering text reading ‘noise’ from wall to wall, forcing visitors to step gingerly through an artwork inspired by heavy metal music fonts. (On the Lower East Side through August 8th.)

Pepo Salazar, Noise, steel, 843 x 331 x 10.16 cm, 2008-2015.

Lisa Williamson in ‘No Vacancies’ at Marianne Boesky Gallery

Oversized furniture segments, huge matchsticks, nautical implements and memorials come to mind with LA artist Lisa Williamson’s tall, elegant ‘Long Dimension (Gates),’ a standout in Marianne Boesky Gallery’s summer group show. (In Chelsea through August 7th).

Installation view of ‘No Vacancies’ at Marianne Boesky Gallery (Background: Robert Morris, Untitled, 1997. Foreground: Lisa Williamson, Long Dimension (Gates), acrylic on wood, steel base with black acid and wax finish, 2015.)

Michael Smith at GreeneNaftali

Michael Smith opens a new chapter in the life of his hapless alter ego, Mike, with an exhibition centered around his search for the fountain of youth. A tapestry map, banners featuring Sudoku games and a water cooler are just some of the fun in Mike’s quest. (At Chelsea’s Greene Naftali Gallery through Aug 14th).

Michael Smith, installation view of ‘Excuse me!?!…I’m looking for the ‘Fountain of Youth,’ July 2015.

Tommy Mishima at Nancy Margolis Gallery

Art history meets sneaker culture in paintings by Tommy Mishima at Nancy Margolis Gallery. (In Chelsea through August 7th).

Tommy Mishima, Sneakers 2, oil on canvas, 24 x 24 inches, 2015.