Mike Nelson at 303 Gallery

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How would life continue after an apocalypse? British artist Mike Nelson’s latest show at Chelsea’s 303 Gallery imagines a scenario in which a group of survivors on the North Sea coast build sculpture from washed up trash to recreate what they haltingly remember. This serpent, tattered flags and various totems speak to an unstoppable urge to establish a bulkhead and mediate the unknown. (Through Feb 21st).

Mike Nelson, detail from the installation ‘Gang of Seven,’ found materials collected from the North West Pacific Coast (feathers, tires, rocks, driftwood, Styrofoam, metal rods and chains, pylons, clothing), dimensions variable, 2013.

Ann Toebbe at Monya Rowe

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This tranquil domestic interior is too cute, with its matching mugs by the fire, two dogs, two laptops and beautiful beach view. But the scene might not be as cozy as it looks – Ann Toebbe’s latest painted, handcut paper collages depict domestic interiors from friends’ and family members’ past marriages. (At Monya Rowe Gallery on the LES through Feb 22nd).

Ann Toebbe, Remarried, gouache, acrylic and cut paper on panel, 16 x 20 inches, 2015.

Jennifer Nocon at Tracy Williams Ltd

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Nature inspires LA-based artist Jennifer Nocon’s gorgeous ceramic and felt installation Sky Diamond, the centerpiece of her solo show at Chelsea’s Tracy Williams, Ltd. Stylized cloud illustrations on ceramic cloud shapes give forth blood-red, kelp-like jets of rain, making for a fascinating and slightly disturbing phenomenon. (Through Feb 14th).

Jennifer Nocon, Sky Diamonds, hand-dyed wool felt, ceramic clay, glaze, gold thread, 100 x 316 inches, 2014.

Anita Molinero in ‘Derive(s)’ at Bryce Wolkowitz Gallery

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French artist Anita Molinero is known for destroying vibrantly colored, plastic consumer goods by melting them. Here, pale green Styrofoam trays remain intact but pierced, supported by cradling metal arms and a backed by a chunk of concrete. (At Bryce Wolkowitz Gallery through Feb 14th).

Anita Molinero, Untitled, 16 ½ x 12 ½ x 15 inches, 2014.

Lucy Kim at Lisa Cooley

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Over one hundred dental casts of the same smile create a grid in this slightly creepy, subtly funny 3-D painting by Massachusetts-based painter Lucy Kim at Lisa Cooley Gallery on the Lower East Side. With cartoon-like swirls of red curls and sesame seeds connoting freckles, this character – with her super abundance of toothy grins – charms and repulses at the same time. (Through Feb 15th).

Lucy Kim, detail of Tomorrow, Tomorrow (Leeza Smiles), oil paint, acrylic paint, urethane resin, polyurethane glue on dibond panel, 36 x 45 inches, 2014.