James Siena at Pace Gallery

James Siena continues to produce mesmerizing patterned images with his latest show of drawings at Pace Gallery. However, instead of repeating an initial mark that establishes a rule system, Siena’s new work glories in interlocking patterns that boggle the mind with their detail and their complex consideration of space. (At Pace Gallery’s 25th Street location through Feb 11th).

James Siena, Manifold X, ink and watercolor on paper, 11 5/8 x 9 ¼ inches, 2015.
James Siena, Manifold X, ink and watercolor on paper, 11 5/8 x 9 ¼ inches, 2015.

Giuseppe Gabellone at Andrew Kreps Gallery

Like a giant emptied beanbag chair, Italian artist Giuseppe Gabellone’s ‘Acid Green’ fabric installation flops in the corner of Andrew Kreps’ Chelsea gallery, transforming the space and color of the room. Part of a show of work by artists who push their materials, the piece boldly occupies its space while suggesting future uses for the fabric. (Through Dec 20th).

Giuseppe Gabellone, Verde Acido, velvet fabric, acrylic padding, 590 ½ x 452 ¾ inches, 2012.

Frank Stella at Marianne Boesky Gallery

Though this huge polished aluminum sculpture by iconic minimalist-turned-maker of-exuberant-forms Frank Stella looks like a giant Christmas tree ornament, at over 18’ tall it’s too big even for the Rockefeller tree. Titled ‘Puffed Star II,’ it continues Stella’s interest in forms that take over the space they’re in. (At Marianne Boesky Gallery’s Chelsea space through Dec 20th.)

Frank Stella, Puffed Star II, polished aluminum, 224 ½ x 224 ½ inches, 2014.

Emil Lukas at Sperone Westwater Gallery

Sometimes using as much as a mile of thread, Stockertown, PA based artist Emil Lukas creates an ambiguous and intriguing sense of space in two-dimensional wall pieces like ‘Red Gas,’ seen here in detail.  (At Sperone Westwater on the Lower East Side through Feb 22nd).  

Emil Lukas, Red Gas (detail), thread over wood frame with nails, 16 x 14 inches, 2013.