The Phrygian cap, worn as a symbol of emancipation in the French revolution and before, inspired American sculptor Martin Puryear’s new work at Chelsea’s Matthew Marks Gallery. As a series of sculptures that point to freedom, Puryear’s work goes beyond formally attractive objects to suggest justice as its own form of beauty. (Through Jan 10th).
Martin Puryear (foreground), Big Phrygian, painted red cedar, 2010-2014.
Late New York painter Albert York’s paintings of landscapes, dogs, cows and flowers may look conventional, but they elicit strong praise from art world cognoscenti for their dreamy quality and conversation with the history of painting landscape and portraiture. (At Chelsea’s Matthew Marks Gallery through Dec 20th).
Albert York, Cow, oil on board, 9 x 10 ¼ inches, c. 1972.
Iconic ceramic artist Ken Price launched this series of monumental bronze composite sculptures late in his life, bringing a career of innovation to a close with suggestive, almost glowing forms. (At Chelsea’s Matthew Marks Gallery through June 28th).
Ken Price, installation view of ‘Large Sculptures’ at Matthew Marks Gallery, in the foreground: ‘Ceejay,’ painted bronze composite, 48 x 48 3/8 x 46 inches, 2011.
San Francisco-based abstract sculptor Vincent Fecteau’s untitled, wall-mounted clay sculpture resembles a super-sized, wadded up piece of paper at first glance; delicate green coloring, eye-grabbing negative space in the folds and a mysterious bar-like shape at the top encourage further looking, however. (At Matthew Marks Gallery through June 28th).
Vincent Fecteau, Untitled, resin clay, acrylic paint, 26 x 28 x 8 inches, 2014.
Before his untimely death in 2002 at age 35, Berlin-based artist Michel Majerus was hailed as a quintessential information age artist, mixing images and info from unrelated sources to suggest a stew of influences more than a coherent statement. Here, Andy Warhol’s discount Raphael abuts an ecstatic youth from an ad, suggesting two takes on transcendent experiences. (At Matthew Marks Gallery‘s 522 West 22nd Street location).
Michel Majerus, o.T. (69), acrylic on cotton, two panels, each: 119 ¼ x 93 ¼ inches, 1994.
