Inspired by traditional Korean ceramics, Chicago-based artist Dabin Ahn’s new paintings at 1969 Gallery combine art historical references with a feeling of wonder and whimsy. Painted like an apparition, the top section of this vessel hovers in lighter tones above the more solid-looking segment below. Perhaps once part of the decoration, the birds’ white wings continue the contour of the vase while they appear to cavort in mid-air. Materializing as if from memory or history, the vase may be broken, but its magical quality remains. (On view in Tribeca through April 20th).
