Rebecca Morris at Mary Boone Gallery

Abstract painter Rebecca Morris shows canvases controlled by a grid and, by contrast, images in which forms float freely in a selection of work at Mary Boone Gallery’s 57th Street location. In pieces like this untitled oil on canvas, Morris’ organizational strategy occupies a middle ground as recurring scallop-edged shapes nestle into each other, appearing to both advance towards us and recede. A white border flecked with black recalling ermine fur and a center that brings Dalmatians to mind create associations that drive contemplation. (On view through Feb 25th).

Rebecca Morris, Untitled (#12 – 13), 87 x 80 inches, oil/canvas, 2013.
Rebecca Morris, Untitled (#12 – 13), 87 x 80 inches, oil/canvas, 2013.

Ai Weiwei at Mary Boone Gallery

A wallpaper of surveillance cameras and the Twitter logo by artist/activist Ai Weiwei at Mary Boone Gallery’s Chelsea space refer to the consequences of his on-line criticism of the Chinese government. On a similar theme, a tree cobbled together from several once-majestic plants suggests disaster and endurance. (On view through Dec 23rd).

Ai Wei Wei, installation view of ‘Roots and Branches’ at Mary Boone Gallery’s 541 West 26th Street location, November 2016.
Ai Wei Wei, installation view of ‘Roots and Branches’ at Mary Boone Gallery’s 541 West 26th Street location, November 2016.

Robert Barry at Mary Boone Gallery

Conceptual art pioneer Robert Barry uses language to transport viewers; in this handsome installation, cast resin letters painted a vibrant red form words like ‘intimate,’ ‘apparent’ that evoke strong associations. (At Chelsea’s Mary Boone Gallery through April 23rd).

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Robert Barry, ‘Red Line,’ dimensions variable, paint/cast resin, 2008/2016.

John Miller at Mary Boone Gallery

Game show contestants and reality TV personalities are the subject of John Miller’s paintings and this sculpture at Mary Boone Gallery in Chelsea. Moments of supposedly ‘real’ emotion accompany paintings of empty, dramatically tacky game stages, conjuring a bizarre world of fakeness. (Through Feb 28th).

John Miller, Public Display, 68 x 58 x 58 inches, acrylic/wood, formica, 2013.

Francesco Clemente at Mary Boone Gallery

Angels sleep under rainbows in Francesco Clemente’s ‘Angels’ Tent,’ while top-hatted men act oppressively (one enslaves two figures) in the ‘Devil’s Tent.’ The lushly decorated Mughal style tents signal Clemente’s nomadic lifestyle while making a strong contrast between good and evil. (At Chelsea’s Mary Boone Gallery through Dec 20th).

Francesco Clemente, installation view of Angels’ Tent and Devil’s Tent at Mary Boone Gallery, Nov, 2014.