Rafael Gomezbarros in ‘Naturalia’ at Paul Kasmin Gallery

Paul Kasmin Gallery and Sotheby’s Gallery team up this month to bring the vanitas still life and memento mori up to date in an impressive exhibition of Dutch genre painting and contemporary art touching on the theme of life’s brevity. Columbian artist Rafael Gomezbarros’ smarm of ants – constructed with cast human skulls – opens the show with a bang. (At Paul Kasmin Gallery in Chelsea through March 4th).

Foreground:  Rafael Gomezbarros, Casa Tomada (Taken House), five parts:  resin, fiber glass, screen cotton, ropes, wood, sand and Cerrejon coal, each 37 3/8 x 17 ¾ inches x 6 ¼ inches, 2016.
Foreground: Rafael Gomezbarros, Casa Tomada (Taken House), five parts: resin, fiber glass, screen cotton, ropes, wood, sand and Cerrejon coal, each 37 3/8 x 17 ¾ inches x 6 ¼ inches, 2016.