Don’t Miss: ‘Helter Swelter’ Justin Lowe

by Merrily KerrDon't MissPosted on Comments are Disabled

It’s no wonder ‘Helter Swelter,’ Justin Lowe’s first New York solo show attracted reviews in The New York Times, the Village Voice and Time Out. This young collage artist turned the gallery itself into an artwork by creating a convincing, full scale corner store in the front room, parking an ice cream van in the hall, and covering the floor of the back room in fabulous psychedelic swirls of fabric. This meeting of life and art may not explain the mysteries of the universe, but the experience is unique enough for a visit. (Through July 28th)

Find out more at: 5be Gallery

On the Horizon: ‘Ectopia’

by Merrily KerrOn the HorizonPosted on Comments are Disabled

It’s never too soon to start looking forward to the big fall shows, and ‘Ectopia: The Second International Center of Photography Triennial of Photography and Video’ promises a strong start to the new season. Goodbye nature photography! Nearly 40 artists or collectives will exhibit art that explores mankind’s interaction with the natural world, revealing “new perspectives on the planet that sustains, enchants and – increasingly – frightens us.” (Sept 14 – Jan 7th)

On the Horizon: Group Shows

by Merrily KerrOn the HorizonPosted on Comments are Disabled

The group shows of summer are nearly upon us, offering a unique opportunity to discover new artists and enjoy familiar artists in new contexts. Paula Cooper Gallery leads the pack this year with, ‘An Ongoing Low-Grade Mystery,’ an exhibition of mostly minimal artworks that opened earlier this month. It sounds preposterous for a self-respecting gallery exhibition, but the show’s premise – all artworks are predominantly red – somehow manages to work. On a decidedly more serious note, on June 9th, James Cohan Gallery opens ‘A Brighter Day,’ an ambitious show of work that seeks to address the ‘ominous tenor’ of today’s uncertain world. Also noteworthy, the venerable, now rejuvenated performance and exhibition space ‘The Kitchen’ promises an injection of new talent into the New York scene with a survey of video art by Eastern European artists, which opens May 31st.

Hottest Show: Wangechi Mutu

by Merrily KerrHottest ShowPosted on Comments are Disabled

Wangechi Mutu’s exhibition of violently beautiful collages could be one of New York’s most anticipated solo show debuts ever. After receiving rave reviews for her participation in what seems like endless group shows around New York over the past few years, the Kenyan-born Mutu is having the dramatic coming out, with a dual show at Sikkema Jenkins and swanky uptown gallery Salon 94. Come see for yourself what all the chatter is about.

Read my profile of Mutu’s work from Art On Paper, Summer 2004.

Don’t Miss: Asian Contemporary Art Week

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For one week only, New York hosts an extravaganza of Asian art made here and abroad in a series of non-stop lectures, exhibition openings and events. Highlights include an array of video works presented at art venues across the city, sculptures by legendary Indian outsider artist Nek Chand, and even an intergenerational showdown between two action painters on a blocked off street in Tribeca. With so many events happening in so many venues, it ’s a sure bet that something good with be happening near you.

For more information and schedules, visit Asian Contemporary Art Week’s website.