Carissa Rodriguez in ‘Displayed’ at Anton Kern Gallery

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Traditional Japanese Ikebana becomes art in the hands of New York artist Carissa Rodriguez (who memorably showed a Cartier clock owned by FDR at the Whitney Biennial this spring). In Anton Kern Gallery’s treasure-chest of a summer group exhibition, she saddles this gorgeous arrangement with the title ‘I Will Cook Myself Tomorrow,’ making it a kind of pre-memorial. (In Chelsea through August 22nd).

Center: Carissa Rodriquez, I Will Cook Myself Tomorrow,’ unique seasonal Ikebana arrangement, Sogetsu suiban vessel and custom pedestal, variable dimensions, 2012. To the left: ‘Blue Shelf’ by David Korty. To the right: ‘Vase (prototype) and paper bouquet,’ Marc Camille Chaimowicz.

Daniel Heidkamp in ‘Some Thoughts About Marks’ at Jack Hanley Gallery

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This boy of summer doesn’t have a care in the world, despite having failed to take a swing at the ball whizzing in front of him. He’s as cheerful as a clothing model on a catalogue shoot yet his odd proportions make this painting by Daniel Heidkamp an engaging mix of familiar and strange. (At Jack Hanley Gallery through August 22nd).

Daniel Heidkamp, Town League Slugger, oil on linen, 36 x 30 inches, 2014.

Matthew Ronay at Andrea Rosen Gallery

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One of Matthew Ronay’s previous shows at Andrea Rosen Gallery involved entering a large, curtain-enclosed space filled with natural forms – trees, totems – that referred to transcendent experiences. In Rosen’s smaller Gallery II space, Ronay showcases his own journey in meditative daily drawings like this one. (In Chelsea through Aug 22nd).

Matthew Ronay, 12.16.13, gouache on 140lb arches watercolor paper, 15 x 11 inches, 2013.

Elisabeth Kley & Howard Finster in ‘Purple States’ at Andrew Edlin Gallery

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Andrew Edlin Gallery’s riotous group show ‘Purple States’ stands out among summer group shows for its energy. It includes this fanciful yellow, ceramic birdcage by Elisabeth Kley resting on patterns of her creation while a nearby, a friendly saint by legendary folk artist and minister Howard Finster stands and gestures. (In Chelsea through August 22nd).

Elisabeth Kley, Large Yellow Birdcage, glazed ceramic, 2014 on Patterned Scrolls, ink on Japanese paper, 2014. Next to: paint on wood figure, St John, 1999 by Howard Finster. Shooting stars by Howard Finster, mixed media, 1983 is behind.

Deborah Kass in ‘Bloodflames Revisited’ at Paul Kasmin Gallery

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With its gothic title, ‘Bloodflames Revisited,’ and catwalk running above a straw-covered floor, this is one of the more unusual shows on view in Chelsea at the moment. The setting is just right for Deborah Kass’ enthusiastic but ambiguous-feeling rainbow painting reading ‘Daddy, I would love to dance.’ (At Paul Kasmin Gallery through August 15th).

Deborah Kass, Daddy, acrylic on canvas, 2008.