1960s Minimalism, though influential, isn’t best remembered for its humor. LA-based sculptor Lisa Williamson injects lightheartedness into her stream-lined shapes, suggesting giant wall-mounted hairpins or attractively colored surgical tools. (At Laurel Gitlen Gallery on the Lower East Side through March 15th).
Lisa Williamson, ‘Bump, Bob’ (on the right) and ‘Bump, Hairpin’ (on the left), both acrylic on powder-coated steel, 80 x 14 x 4 inches.
This unassuming little painting by Berlin-based American artist Ryan McLaughlin conjures a cruise line advertisement for or by kids, a water conservation poster or some other public service message. It’s simple, earnest and charming. (At Laurel Gitlen Gallery on the Lower East Side through Dec 22nd.)
Ryan McLaughlin, Wasserbetriebe, oil on canvas on MDF, 25 ¾ x 17 ¾ inches, 2013.
The roughly cut blocks of Allyson Vieira’s sculptures resemble the caryatids of Greek architecture but in an updated, futuristic way. We enjoyed versions made with drywall at Laurel Gitlen Gallery on last March’s Lower East Side tour, but it’s perfect to see them outdoors in proximity to a Greek-style façade at Brooklyn’s Metro Tech Center. (Through Sept 16th).
Allyson Vieira, ‘Weight Bearing V, Weight Bearing VI, Weight Bearing VII,’ 2012.
Both Rubenesque and strong, caryatid-like females by New York sculptor Allyson Vieira update classical Greek architectural tradition by hoisting steel I-beams instead of plain lintels, suggesting that today’s new glass and steel structures will one day find themselves ancient. (At Laurel Gitlen on the Lower East Side through March 24th).
Allyson Vieira, Weight Bearing III, drywall, screws, steel, 2012.
