Pieter Schoolwerth’s new paintings at Petzel Gallery question human identity in a time when our on-screen personas are more prevalent than ever. Basing his images on screenshots of the life-simulation game The Sims 4, each digital avatar’s form is mingled with flat layers of grey surface and some have faces rendered in expressionist swirls of paint. Here, young women take a selfie while a horrified woman in a space suit (full protective gear?) looks on. The disorienting effect of paint vs inkjet print, vivid color vs drab grey and layers that have come unmoored from their source create a fascinating world of provisional realities. (On view in Chelsea through Oct 31st. Masks and social distancing are required and gallery capacity is limited. Visitors must give contact info.)
