Scott Olson at James Cohan Gallery

Scott Olson’s new biomorphic abstractions at James Cohan Gallery’s Lower East Side location continue to tap into the language of early 20th century non-objective art, engaging the imagination with a pleasing play of color and form.  A rectangle of dark space at the bottom of the composition sets off what’s above – an array of shapes that tempt interpretation, guiding the eye along diagonally sloping paths toward imagery that resembles the stalks of plants or, above, a segmented area that suggests an arachnid or segmented fruit.  (On view through July 26th).

Scott Olson, Untitled, oil on linen with artist frame, 33 ½ x 23 ½ inches, 2019.

Scott Olson at James Cohan Gallery

Color appears to move and shift, sometimes without the constraints of form in Scott Olson’s new oil paintings at James Cohan Gallery on the Lower East Side. Recalling Umberto Boccioni without the urgency or Robert Delaunay with less defined geometry, Olson channels early 20th century experiments in abstraction with subtle nods to the organic world and a palette that alternatively soothes and excites. (On view through April 23rd).

 

Scott Olson, Untitled, oil on linen, 25 ½ x 20 ½ inches, 2017.

Scott Olson at Wallspace

From their locally sourced wood frames to their marble-dust surfaces, Ohio-based Scott Olson’s abstract paintings delight in the play of color and shape.  In addition to his current solo show at Wallspace, see more of Olson’s work and that of other artists who dedicate themselves to painting in the Walker Art Center’s ‘Painter, Painter’ exhibition. (At Wallspace through May 4th.)  

Scott Olson, Untitled, oil, wax, marble dust on wood, maple frame, 2013.