Tag: reopened

Kyle Staver at Zurcher Gallery

Beyond a circle of big cats, claws extended and mouths open, a dazzle of wide-eyed zebras sprint across the grass in this dramatic nature scene by New York painter Kyle Staver.  Now on view at Zurcher Gallery, Staver’s paintings continue to upend traditional European art historical iconography (Susanna’s pet tigers keep her safe from molesting Elders, for example).  Edward Hick’s folk art, harmony-between-creatures ideal ‘Peaceable Kingdom’ comes to mind with ‘Zebra Pass,’ but differs from that arcadia thanks to the menace of waiting predators.  (On view on the Lower East Side through July 24th).

Kyle Staver, Zebra Pass, oil on canvas, 70 x 52 inches, 2019.

Gary Simmons at Metro Pictures Gallery

LA based artist Gary Simmons has returned to the subject of racist American pop culture imagery in a striking group of new paintings at the newly reopened Metro Pictures Gallery.  Here, in ‘Screaming into the Ether,’ 1920s & 30s Looney Tunes character Bosko loses his characteristic portly belly as he releases a full-bodied cry that dominates the gallery in this eight foot-tall canvas.  Partially erased by Simmons’ hand the figure nevertheless exerts a powerful presence.  (Open by appointment in Chelsea through Sept 19th).

Gary Simmons, Screaming Into The Ether, oil and cold wax on canvas, 96 ¼ x 72 ¼ inches, 2020.

Omar Rodriguez-Graham at Marc Straus Gallery

Shape and color appear to explode from Omar Rodriguez-Graham’s paintings, once again on view at newly reopened Marc Straus Gallery on the Lower East Side.  Based on Renaissance or Baroque paintings by artists from Tiepolo to Ricci which the artist turns into digital abstract compositions then paints on canvas attached to shaped supports, the artist marries historical work with a distinctly contemporary sense of energy and movement.  (On view through July 31st).

Omar Rodriguez-Graham, La Anciana de las 3 Navajas, oil and acrylic on linen mounted on panel, 78.7 x 72.8 inches, 2020.