Oscar Murillo at David Zwirner Gallery

Black canvases, some formerly used as studio rags, hang from wires in David Zwirner Gallery’s Chelsea space in Oscar Murillo’s new installation, dividing the gallery into sections like a make-shift field hospital. Even more ominous are sculptures inspired by morgue tables and a huge torn canvas featuring a bank note. Both are a far cry from the artist’s last show – for which he created a chocolate factory in the gallery. (Through Oct 22nd).

Oscar Murillo, installation view of ‘a futile mercantile disposition,’ oil and oil stick on canvas and linen, stainless steel, vinyl, latex, copper, PVC tubing, self-hardening clay with ground corn, and a single-channel video, dimensions vary, 2016.
Oscar Murillo, installation view of ‘a futile mercantile disposition,’ oil and oil stick on canvas and linen, stainless steel, vinyl, latex, copper, PVC tubing, self-hardening clay with ground corn, and a single-channel video, dimensions vary, 2016.

Oscar Murillo at David Zwirner Gallery

If making abundant free chocolate to give to gallery visitors seems like a blatant ploy to get people talking about your artwork, you’d be reading Oscar Murillo’s latest show at Chelsea’s David Zwirner Gallery correctly. The young, London-based Columbian artist intends visitors to his candy factory – operated by visiting Columbian staffers – to take some to share, spreading the conversation about migration and commerce. (Through June 14th).

Oscar Murillo, installation view of ‘A Merchantile Novel’ at David Zwirner Gallery, April 2014.