Kay Kurt at Albertz Benda

Collectors might metaphorically salivate after coveted artworks, but the feeling turns literal in sight of Kay Kurt’s intense, realist renderings of candy. At six feet high and eleven feet long, this assortment of hard candies brings to mind the flavors of childhood while treating each piece as its own perfectly formed sculptural object. (At Albertz Benda in Chelsea through Feb 16th).

Kay Kurt, Hallelujah, oil on linen, 72 x 132 inches, 1995-2016.
Kay Kurt, Hallelujah, oil on linen, 72 x 132 inches, 1995-2016.

Ron Kleeman at Bernarducci Meisel Gallery

Race cars and trucks were the late photorealist painter Ron Kleemann’s vehicle for exploring light and color in the world around him. Here, a surveyor’s tripod, a first responder’ pickup and a helicopter seem to merge together by virtue of their common color. (At Bernarducci Meisel Gallery on 57th Street through Dec 17th).

Ron Kleemann, Manhattan on Hudson, oil on canvas, 47 x 59 ½ inches, 1979.
Ron Kleemann, Manhattan on Hudson, oil on canvas, 47 x 59 ½ inches, 1979.

Rod Penner at Ameringer McEnery Yohe Gallery

Rod Penner’s tiny photo realist renderings of desolate scenes from the American rural landscape summon nostalgia and intrigue in equal parts.  (At Ameringer, McEnery, Yohe in Chelsea through Nov 23rd).  

Rod Penner, Ranch View Motel/Vaughn, NM, acrylic on canvas, 2013.