With their squat bodies, long legs and tiny heads, William King’s sculpted caricatures of important men or at least self-important ones are a highlight of Derek Eller Gallery’s current group show. Arms akimbo, each seems to demand to know what’s going on, as if they don’t quite approve of the work of nearby paintings on clothing by Annabeth Marks, Annie Pearlman’s vivid abstractions and Rachel Eulena Williams’ stitched canvases. (On view on the Lower East Side through Feb 11th.)
Though each painting in his first solo show at DC Moore Gallery is based on the torso of an eccentrically outfitted individual, Michael Stamm’s new paintings are remarkable diverse and inventive. Inspired by meetings with his therapist – with whom he avoided eye contact – Stamm’s headless characters offer enticing sartorial clues to identity. Here, the subject’s sweater contrasts a mountainous landscape above with licking flames below, connected by the French emblem translated, ‘it is established by God’s decree.’ (On view in Chelsea through Feb 3rd).
In her late 80s, late American sculptor and printmaker Elizabeth Catlett created this arresting print, now a highlight of her mini-retrospective at Burning in Water gallery in Chelsea. Here, Catlett synthesizes influences from African art, European modernism and more in a portrait that feels both cutting edge and connected with early 20th century avant-garde art. (On view through Feb 3rd).
Tiny roads bisect the anonymous subject of Derrick Adams painted collage, suggesting that this character is on an unswerving journey. Plaid fabric maps a city grid and African textiles nod to the heritage of the woman in this vibrant portrait of an individual in the driver’s seat of her own life. (On view at Tilton Gallery on the Upper East Side through Jan 6th).
Known for combining art, architecture and design, Jorge Pardo takes a turn towards two-dimensional work at Petzel Gallery with laser cut light boxes bearing his self-portraits. This surprising turn away from 3-D objects and spaces, along with Pardo’s recent self-portraits crafted on furniture, begs the question of whether all of the artist’s design isn’t a form of portraiture. (On view at Petzel Gallery through Jan 13th).
