Grace Weaver at James Cohan Gallery

New York painter Grace Weaver describes the sidewalk as a stage in a new body of paintings at James Cohan Gallery that showcases young people in awkward situations.  Falling down stairs, exchanging glances or crashing into each other on the street, Weaver’s characters self-consciously deal with what life serves up.  Here, Weaver humorously recreates a romantic meeting scene as two individuals round a corner and crash into each other.  Their immediate intimacy suggests that we know where this story is headed.  (On view Tues – Fri at James Cohan Gallery’s locations on the Lower East Side and in Tribeca by appointment through Sept 12th.  Masks and social distancing required.)

Grace Weaver, Confrontation, oil on canvas, 71 x 69 inches, 2020.

Grace Weaver at James Cohan Gallery

Just how ‘optimized’ should life be?  Young Brooklyn painter Grace Weaver explores the idea of living to your utmost in ‘Best Life,’ her first solo show at James Cohan Gallery’s Lower East Side.  Here, ‘peak season’ pictures two young people performing the role of tourist as they snap the requisite photos and navigate unfamiliar terrain on vacation.  Weaver’s vividly colored portraits of her generation explore social pressures that will be alien to many but intense to her subjects. (On view through Oct 28th).

Grace Weaver, Peak Season, acrylic on canvas, 89 x 95 inches, 2018.