Long strands of clear and white plastic beads by late artist Felix Gonzalez-Torres are an austere version of the usually colorful plastic beading hung in homes. Here in the huge, Spartan spaces of David Zwirner Gallery (which marks joint representation of the artist with Andrea Rosen Gallery with this show), the curtain has the sobering effect intended, heightening our awareness of passing from one state to another. (On 20th Street in Chelsea through June 24th).
Mark Bradford, Waterfall, mixed media, dimensions variable, 2015.
Parker Ito’s riotous mess of an installation in Andrea Rosen Gallery’s summer group show epitomizes his collage art approach. A painting dangling from the ceiling brings together unconnected, sampled phrases like ‘I’m really creative’ and ‘One Love’ against a background of LED light strings, keeping meaning elusive on purpose. (In Chelsea through August 14th).
Parker Ito, One Love/Everyday people/tell me/jelly manhood I’m wearing those pants now/I’m pretty creative /Essay coming soon), oil on canvas, acrylic on aluminum strainers, artist frame, hanging hardware, LED lights, 122 x 96 x 2.5 inches, 2013-15
How to create a universal art? Pennsylvania-based artist Hilary Berseth drew seven faces contorted by common human emotions (surprise and fear seen here) on the inside of five Platonic solids, shapes that Plato felt were key to constructing all around us. Slowly spinning in the gallery, the shapes intensify each emotion and invite a viewer to compare each to his/her own emotional state. (At Lower East Side gallery 11 Rivington through Jan 17th).
Hilary Berseth, Installation view at 11 Rivington, December 2014.
Late sculptor Louise Bourgeois harnessed the discomfort inherent in the idea of hanging for many sculptures over the decades of her long career. Cheim & Read Gallery gathers a stunning selection, including this polished bronze, titled ‘Arch of Hysteria.’ Conferring hysteria on a male figure and distorting the body into an impossibly uncomfortable arch creates odd tensions that give the piece its disarming impact. (In Chelsea through Jan 10th).
Louise Bourgeois, Arch of Hysteria, polished bronze, 33 x 40 x 23 inches, 1993.
