Jonathan Trayte at Friedman Benda

Art & design merge in British artist Jonathan Trayte’s otherworldly habitat at Friedman Benda, where a chaise longue doubles as a lamp and a pink bedframe made out of pipes questions the use-value of sculpture.  Here, an irresistible painted bronze, steel, foam and neon sculpture titled Kandi defies explanation while enticing with its organic forms and pink glow. (On view in Chelsea through July 27th).

Jonathan Trayte, Kandi, painted bronze, stainless steel, foam, polymer plaster, pigments, adhesive, nylon flock, neon, 42.5 x 43.25 x 13.75 inches, 2018.

Ruth Asawa at David Zwirner Gallery

Transparency, an interest in organic forms and a desire to push her materials drove late artist Ruth Asawa’s to create the undulating, hanging wire sculptures, currently on view at David Zwirner Gallery’s 537 West 20th Street location. (On view through Oct 21st).

Ruth Asawa, installation view of ‘Ruth Asawa’ at David Zwirner Gallery’s 537 West 20th Street location, Sept 2017.

Maria Nepomuceno in ‘More Simply Put’ at Sikkema Jenkins & Co

Organic shapes snake around and into a wooden box in this work by Brazilian artist Maria Nepomuceno, suggesting that whatever is inside cannot be contained. A trumpet-like ceramic form introduces the idea of broadcasting sound, offering the possibility that an unheard song might further animate this alluring organism. (At Sikkema Jenkins & Co through June 30th).

Maria Nepomuceno, Untitled, ropes, beads, ceramic, wood, fiberglass and resin, 27.5 x 29.125 x 24.375 inches, 2015.