Adam McEwen’s escalator stairs, disassembled and scattered on Gagosian Gallery’s floor are readymades related to movement, though unlike Duchamp’s spinnable bike wheel mounted on a stool, they’re solidly in place. Dedicated to mass transit, their egalitarian nature contrasts an upside down image of a stretch limo, printed on cellulose sponge and hung on the wall behind. (On view at Gagosian Gallery’s 980 Madison Ave 5th floor gallery).
These assisted readymade sculptures by Nicole Wermers were inspired by awnings but have been fitted with custom textiles and turned to the side to create vertical columns. Their patterns recall post-war minimal painting a la Daniel Buren, but rolled up, their potential is hidden. (At Chelsea’s Tanya Bonakdar Gallery through July 29th).
Hayley Tompkins, Picture Pail IV, V and VI, metal pail, plastic bag, gouache and magazine page, 13 x 13 ¾ x 12 ¼ inches, 2015.
A low sound of waves and chirping is a subtle accompaniment to Anissa Mack’s clusters of helium dolphins; this hint of ‘real’ nature sharply contrasts the balloons’ reference to theme parks and carnivals and adds a little whimsy and wonder to mass produced inflatables. (At Laurel Gitlen Gallery on the Lower East Side through October 19th).
Anissa Mack, installation view of ‘Deep, Deep Pepsi’ at Laurel Gitlen Gallery, Sept 2014.
Citibike stands abound in New York’s gallery areas, but are the bikes art? New York artist Dan Colen’s addition to Marlborough Gallery’s bike-themed group exhibition ‘Joyride’ could theoretically be taken out for a spin as a kind of performance or experiential art. In the background, Leo Fitzpatrick’s acrylic on canvas pieces offer a more cynical take on the pleasures of freewheeling about town, suggesting that Citibike users end their trips in the East River. (On the Lower East Side through August 3rd).
Foreground: Dan Colen, Title, x citibikes, 2014. Background: Leo Fitzpatrick, bikes in bag, bag in river, acrylic and spray paint on canvas, 2 pieces, each 22 x 14 inches, 2014.
