Laylah Ali’s new ‘Acephalous’ series features her signature creatures – slim cartoonish humans with something insect-like about them – but with heads and bodies separate. Here, a sympathetic mermaid/insect in green engages with a desperate-looking head-with-tail in a mysterious yet captivating exchange. (In Chelsea at Paul Kasmin Gallery through April 25th).
Laylah Ali, detail of Untitled (Acephalous series), gouache, acrylic, watercolor, and pencil on paper, 14 x 56 inches, 2015.
Liu Wei’s three sculptures of fortress-like cities made of carved books, are high on towers of bedrock that appear to be splitting apart, suggesting both destruction and crystalline growth. (At Lehmann Maupin on the Lower East Side through April 18th).
Liu Wei, Library II-II, books, wood, iron, and hardware, 2013.
Endlessly inventive abstract painter Thomas Nozkowski’s new show of work at Pace Gallery’s 510 West 25th Street space was partly inspired by walks he’s taken upstate. This untitled oil painting could reference a frozen puddle or light seen through a configuration of rocks…the artist leaves it up to us. (Through April 25th).
Thomas Nozkowski, Untitled (9-46), oil on linen on panel, 22” x 28,” 2014.
Laura Lancaster was inspired to paint from old photos in which she couldn’t tell herself apart from her twin sister. For her debut show in New York, the Newcastle, England-based artist culled images from found home movie reels, pictures that are still energized by uncertainty. (At Sargent’s Daughters on the Lower East Side through April 19th).
Laura Lancaster, untitled, oil on board, 51 x 90 inches, 2015.
Ann Agee’s residency at the Kohler factory in Sheybogan, Wisconsin in 1992 inspired a life-sized china replica of a bathroom. Here, she has recreated ‘Lake Michigan Bathroom’ in porcelain, presenting the taboo topic of bodily functions with meticulous craft. (At Chelsea’s PPOW Gallery through April 18th).
Ann Agee, Lake Michigan Bathroom (II), porcelain and stoneware, 98 ¾ x 121 ½ x 22 inches, 2014.