David Hammons in Subliminal Horizons at Alexander Gray Associates

David Hammons’ untitled bottles from the mid-80s are a standout in Alexander Gray Associates’ summer group show, which features artists of color who have a relationship to the Hudson River Valley.  Evoking messages cast adrift in bottles or carefully constructed ships in bottles, each curious form invites and eludes easy interpretation.  A white lightning bolt suggests magically captured electricity, a fish somehow survives in a glass enclosure and the zippers from the flies of pants become living insects, a series of transformations that invite wonder.  (On view through Aug 14th).

David Hammons, installation view of untitled bottles from 1985, Alexander Gray Associates.

Sharon Madanes in ‘Me, My, Mine’ at DC Moore Gallery

Sharon Madanes merges her preoccupations with hand washing and chairs in this standout painting in DC Moore Gallery’s summer group exhibition. Wearing beads of water like jewelry, an unknown woman (in a cheongsam?) reaches into our space – the seats and table behind suggest we’re about to dine with this mysterious character. (In Chelsea through July 29th).

Sharon Madanes, On the Other Hand, oil, acrylic, and chair caning on canvas, 22 x 25 inches, 2016.
Sharon Madanes, On the Other Hand, oil, acrylic, and chair caning on canvas, 22 x 25 inches, 2016.