Andrea Bowers in ‘Ecofeminism(s)’ at Thomas Erben Gallery

‘Ecofeminism(s)’ at Thomas Erben Gallery, curated by Monika Fabijanska, is not only one of the first but one of the best shows recently opened to the public.  Featuring iconic projects like Helene Aylon’s ‘Earth Ambulance,’ for which she transformed a truck into an ambulance for earth picked up at military bases, mines and nuclear reactors, and Cecilia Vicuna’s delicate assemblages of natural objects that convey fragility and connectedness, the exhibition presents important projects from the 70s and 80s alongside more recent work.  Here, Andrea Bowers extends the continuum to the present and adds a note of urgency by flashing the word ‘real’ on and off in this neon sign. (On view in Chelsea through July.  No appointment is necessary but visitors numbers are limited and masks are required.

Andrea Bowers, Climate Change is Real (Multiple), neon, MDO, paint, 20 ¾ x 57 inches, ed of 3 with 2 Aps, 2017.

 

Scott King in ‘I Beam U Channel’ at Bortolami Gallery

The changing built environment is the subject of Bortolami Gallery’s summer group exhibition, which opens with Scott King’s hard-to-miss ‘Temporary Eyesore.’ The printed banner brings to mind ‘pardon our appearance’ signs on renovation sites, albeit at a gargantuan scale, while the text seems to promise that a space deemed unpleasing to the eye will soon be taken care of. (In Chelsea through Aug 12th)

Scott King, Temporary Eyesore, 71 x 216 inches, 2008-2016.
Scott King, Temporary Eyesore, 71 x 216 inches, 2008-2016.

Marc Bijl in ‘Gray Would Be The Color If I Had A Heart’ at Marc Straus Gallery

A stolen sign from Gagosian Gallery’s Berlin location excites speculation on how artist Marc Bijl came by it and why. Gagosian Gallery’s polished reputation is at odds with the scrappy silver-taped board on which its sign now rests, suggesting a reversal of fortunes for this abducted fragment. (At Marc Straus Gallery through July 31st).

Marc Bijl, Collateral Image, stolen Gagosian Berlin sign, found poster, tape, acrylic on board, 43 x 60 ¼ inches, 2006.

David Shrigley at Anton Kern Gallery

Traditionally, Chelsea galleries are closed today – the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend but a sea-change may be coming; it’s the last day to catch David Shrigley’s show at Anton Kern Gallery, which contrary to the tongue-in-cheek signage, will be open today. (Through May 23rd).

David Shrigley, installation view at Anton Kern Gallery, May 2015.