Ellen Altfest in ‘The Female Gaze’ at Cheim & Read Gallery

Known for hyper-detailed renderings of the male body (among other natural subjects), Ellen Altfest’s ‘Leg’ ponders the facts on a section of a man’s leg. Veins, hair, and tiny blemishes are the ostensible subjects of the painting, but the limb gives off a vital glow, contrasting its grey surroundings and suggesting that even a fractional view of her subject bears close scrutiny. (At Cheim & Read Gallery in ‘The Female Gaze, Part Two: Women Look at Men’ through Sept 2nd).

Ellen Altfest, Leg, oil on linen, 8 x 11 x 1 ½ inches, 2010.
Ellen Altfest, Leg, oil on linen, 8 x 11 x 1 ½ inches, 2010.

 

Janine Antoni at Luhring Augustine

Inspired by both somatic movement, which conceives of movement from within the body, and Latin American votive offerings, Janine Antoni’s new work features body parts from inside and out, presented as free-standing objects of spiritual value. (At Chelsea’s Luhring Augustine Gallery through April 25th).

Janine Antoni, to compose, polyurethane resin, ed of 3 and 1 artist’s proof, 35 x 20 x 24 inches, 2014.