Joanna Malinowska at Canada New York

Nestled next to a pile of discarded Christmas trees, a figure resembling early 20th century Dada artist Hugo Ball is partially encased in an icy-blue material in the centerpiece of Joanna Malinowska’s latest solo show at Canada New York. In the past, Malinowska has considered Ball and other iconic artists in relation to non-western art practice; here, he appears to be have collected as part of a beaver dam and paralyzed by a block of ice. (On the Lower East Side through March 12th).

Joanna Malinowska, Still Life, mixed media, dimensions variable, 2017.

Joanna Malinowska at Canada Gallery

Six tons of dirt from the Yukon and a giant papier-mache bear – part of a solo show by Polish-American artist Joanna Malinowska – launch Canada Gallery’s much-awaited new LES space.  Known to source objects from around the world (e.g. a liter of water from the Bering Straight and a sweater from Bolivian president Evo Morales in a previous piece), Malinowska gathers far flung references – intriguing if obscure – to the North American land.   (At Canada through Oct 20th).

Joanna Malinowska and Michael Crockford, Falsely Humble (background), wood, papier-mache, 2013.  Joanna Malinowska, 6 Tons of Yukon Dirt (foreground), soil from Yukon Territory, miner’s pan & bucket, 2013.