The Hours of Jacques Hurault in ‘The Written Trace’ at Paul Kasmin Gallery

It might be a stretch to consider this 16th century French illustrated manuscript as a precursor to R. Crumb’s cartoons, as a handout at Paul Kasmin Gallery suggests. Still, its meticulous detail and historical importance make it a knockout in the gallery’s summer group show celebrating the visual qualities of the written word. (In Chelsea through August 14th).

The Hours of Jacques Hurault, Grand Audienier of France, c. 1500-1510, Book of Hours, use of Rome in Latin and French, illuminated manuscript on parchment, bound in French vellum, 6 ¼ x 4 ¼ x 1 ½ inches.

Pepo Salazar in ‘Grand Illusion(s)’ at Simon Preston Gallery

In the still of Simon Preston Gallery, Paris-based artist Pepo Salazar stretches a slim yet commandeering text reading ‘noise’ from wall to wall, forcing visitors to step gingerly through an artwork inspired by heavy metal music fonts. (On the Lower East Side through August 8th.)

Pepo Salazar, Noise, steel, 843 x 331 x 10.16 cm, 2008-2015.

KRIWET in ‘All Watched Over’ at James Cohan Gallery

In colors that suggest political banners, Dusseldorf-based artist KRIWET created this bold ‘comic strip’ in 1970, using letters to create mental pictures. It is part of the group exhibition ‘All Watched Over’ at Chelsea’s James Cohan Gallery, which muses on the power of futuristic technology to improve life. (Through Aug 7th)

KRIWET, Comicstrip, 1970.

Jessica Rankin at Salon94 Freemans

Using maps of the night sky as background, New York artist Jessica Rankin adds phrases and words from her own thoughts and found texts in a fragmented, poetic mediation on cosmic forces and personal experience. (At Salon94 Freemans through Dec 21st).

Jessica Rankin, The Ancient Seat of Indescribable You, graphite, ink and collage on paper, 42 x 42 inches, 2014.

Rochelle Feinstein at On Stellar Rays

The dubiously sincere phrase ‘Love Your Work!’ inspires an update on a series of paintings begun in the 90s by Rochelle Feinstein at On Stellar Rays. Written forwards and backwards against an envy-green background in earnestly slanting script and missing an ‘I’ that might give it more gravity, the three word phrase speaks volumes. (On the Lower East Side through May 11th).

Rochelle Feinstein, Love Your Work (detail), fresco, 1999.