Anna Sew Hoy in ‘Touch the Moon’ at Louis B. James Gallery

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Based in LA, artist Anna Sew Hoy has more interesting purposes for trench coats than wearing them.  This one, titled ‘Black Noir/beige tan’ recalls a line drawing or futuristic garb for a sci-fi thriller; but held aloft by two precious and strange objects – a resin, finger-shaped hook and a ceramic hanger – it evokes appealingly idiosyncratic storylines.  (At Louis B. James Gallery on the Lower East Side through Jan 26th).  

Anna Sew Hoy, Black Noir/beige tan, trench coat seams, glazed stoneware, and resin finger hook, 2013.

Anke Weyer at Canada

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Titled ‘Du’ or the informal version of ‘you’ in German, German-born, Brooklyn-based artist Anke Weyer’s latest show of abstract oil paintings hint at human shapes and active figures.  Here, ‘Sweat, Tears and Fire’ summons frenetic activity worth of Weyer’s dynamic style. (At Canada through Jan 26th).

Anke Weyer, Sweat, Tears and Fire, oil on canvas, 72 x 56 inches, 2012.

Tomoo Gokita at Mary Boone Gallery

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Japanese artist Tomoo Gokita’s stark black and white portraits of anonymous women (sometimes accompanied by male companions with zig-zag patterned heads) belies their ambiguous identities.  ‘Sham Marriage’ deliciously includes a hand-like shape pointing off-stage.  (At Chelsea’s Mary Boone Gallery through March 1st.)  

Tomoo Gokita, Sham Marriage, 90” x 72,” acrylic gouache, charcoal, gesso/linen, 2013.

Davina Semo at Marlborough Gallery

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Grids of black, hanging chains, squares of painted, cast concrete and slender brass poles leaning against the wall demonstrate New York artist Davina Semo’s affinity for both gritty and slick industrial materials.  With titles suggesting interpersonal relationships (‘What is it one person can offer another’ hangs on the back wall in this picture), Davino creates an idiosyncratic style at once personal and distant.  (At Chelsea’s Marlborough Gallery through Feb 15th).  

Davina Semo, installation view of ‘Ruder Forms Survive,’ at Marlborough Gallery, January 2014.

Michael Fullerton at Greene Naftali Gallery

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This portrait of Marillyn A. Hewson, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Lockheed Martin Corporation by Scottish artist Michael Fullerton comes with a wall text briefly summarizing positions she’s held at the company.  Political commentary seems inevitable but apart from a hint in the title of this conventional-looking portrait, ‘The Mistress,’ is up to our interpretation.  (At Greene Naftali Gallery through Feb 8th).  

Michael Fullerton, The Mistress, oil on linen, 2014.