Karla Black at David Zwirner Gallery

Inventive use of materials is everything in Karla Black’s huge installation, ‘Includes Use’ at David Zwirner Gallery. Mixing powder paint and plaster, Black covers the gallery floor with a beach of cocoa-like powder separated into curving organic shapes by frilly tucks of toilet paper. The artist resists the term ‘feminine’ to describe her work, but with glitter as the finishing touch, the effect is decidedly pretty. (In Chelsea through March 26th).

Karla Black, Includes Use, powder paint, plaster powder, toilet paper, and glitter, 330 ¾ x 366 1/8 x 7 inches, 2016.
Karla Black, Includes Use, powder paint, plaster powder, toilet paper, and glitter, 330 ¾ x 366 1/8 x 7 inches, 2016.

Nancy Lupo in ‘Mineral Spirit’ at Laurel Gitlen

LA based artist Nancy Lupo’s sculptures thrive on odd juxtapositions, like this Rubbermaid BRUTE trash can studded with traditional and eco-friendly brands of toilet tissue. In the background, Babybel cheese wheels punctuate a bright yellow can. (At Laurel Gitlen on the Lower East Side through August 1st).

Nancy Lupo, (foreground) So Soft and Delicious, 32-gallon Rubbermaid BRUTE container in white, Cottonelle, Quilted Northern, Angel Soft Pretty Prints, 7th Generation and 365 toilet tissues, 26 x 26 x 24 inches, 2014.