Ajay Kurian in ‘A Rare Earth Magnet’ at Derek Eller Gallery

Ajay Kurian’s torture machine for Minions slowly pokes into a plastic toy version of this cheery embodiment of evil, a thought-provoking gesture both absurd and sinister. (At Chelsea’s Derek Eller Gallery through August 21st).

Ajay Kurian, What Should We Do with Our Brains?, toy, steel, Plexiglas, linear actuator, arduino board, magic-sculpt, 14.5 x 14 x 24 inches, 2015.

Rudolf Stingel at Paula Cooper Gallery

Opening on Oct 31st and closing a month later, this one-painting show by Rudolf Stingel at Chelsea’s Paula Cooper Gallery appears to be a month long celebration of spooky DIY Halloween decorations or a visitation from a frightening specter, perhaps warning against the excesses of giant paintings in huge gallery spaces. (Through Nov 29th)

Rudolf Stingel, Untitled, oil on canvas, 176 x 120 inches, 2014.

Kristen Morgin at Zach Feuer Gallery

Once loved, now up on blocks, this childhood relic looks like it’s headed for the dump if it doesn’t disintegrate first. However, like the rest of the work in this unassuming exhibition by LA-based sculptor Kristin Morgin, it’s an eye-teasing triumph made entirely of unfired clay. (At Chelsea’s Zach Feuer Gallery through May 3rd).

Kristen Morgin, Madonna with Tricycle, unfired clay, paint, ink, wood, wire, 20 x 16 x 28 inches, 2013.