Raised in rural Pennsylvania with little access to museums but within easy reach of her mom’s crafting supplies, New York artist Melissa Joseph developed a textile-based practice resulting in painterly portraits of family now on view at Margot Samel in Tribeca. Three small pieces in needle felted wool on industrial felt, mounted on found silver plates, are the size of embroidery but use material more akin to impasto painting. Here, Joseph’s extended family piles on to a living room seat, creating a tangle of bodies as familiar and comfortable as the material depicting them. (On view in Tribeca through Nov 22nd).
Tag: home
Serena Stevens at Postmasters Gallery
Now back in her native Iowa to complete an MFA, young painter Serena Stevens conveys contemplative quiet in new, large-scale paintings of domestic environments at Postmasters Gallery. Cats abound, here, pictured in the panels of a cozy-looking quilt and as stuffed toys. A pair of cast-off jeans on the bed suggest a quick change rather than an erotic interlude in a painting that explores the psychology of intimate spaces. (On view in Tribeca through Sept 13th. Appointments are not necessary, but masks and social distancing are required.)
Charles Ritchie at BravinLee Programs
Charles Ritchie’s tiny, meticulous watercolor and graphite drawings include reflections in the windows of his suburban home, offering a scene of the outdoors that’s at the same time, a view of his workplace. The merged locations feel dream-like and explore connectedness between interior and exterior realms. (At BravinLee Programs in Chelsea through Oct 14th).
Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen at Paula Cooper Gallery
Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen, Sliced Stradivarius – Rose, canvas, felt, wood, cord, hardware, painted with latex, 45 x 18 x 7 inches, 2003.
Mona Hatoum at Alexander & Bonin Gallery
London-based Palestinian artist Mona Hatoum is known for sculptures that question the sanctity and safety of home; here, it’s the visitor who must beware of a prickly welcome. (Spotted in Alexander and Bonin Gallery’s third floor viewing space, Chelsea).
Mona Hatoum, Doormat, stainless steel and nickel-plated pins, glue and canvas, 1 x 28 x 16 inches, 1996.