How could an avant-garde mid-century painter keep up with the trends in abstract minimalism while still making representational work? This clever 1967 canvas by Sylvia Plimack Mangold has the artist looking down for an answer and finding a ready-made grid of wood – a Minimalist-approved material – that has an inherently physical relationship to the viewer. (At Alexander and Bonin Gallery through Jan 4th.)
Sylvia Plimack Mangold, Floor 1, acrylic on canvas, 1967.
The elegant simplicity of Modernist art icon Constantin Brancusi’s sculptures is on display at Chelsea’s Paul Kasmin Gallery, where the gallery has partnered with the Brancusi Estate to showcase five posthumously created cast bronze sculptures. Based on a Hungarian artist who modeled for Brancusi several times, this sculpture of Mllm Pogany displays the otherworldly charm of her saucer-like eyes, hands folded against her head and cascades of hair down her back. (Through Jan 24th. Check website for holiday season opening hours.)
Mademoiselle Pogany II, polished bronze, 17 5/8 x 11 3/8 x 11 7/8 inches, 1925-2006.
In her large-scale vitrines, German artist Josephine Meckseper brings together a replica of Brancusi’s endless column, underwear modeling mannequins and more to question how appropriating historical and contemporary artifacts can create new meaning. (At Andrea Rosen Gallery in Chelsea through Jan 18th. Check website for holiday season opening hours.)
Josephine Meckseper, Title TBD, pigment prints on anodize aluminum, acrylic on wood, concrete, aluminum, bronze and stainless steel in stainless steel and glass vitrine, 2013.
Most prominent in post-war in France for his ‘accumulations,’ the artist Arman was also an avid collector of art from other cultures. Paul Kasmin Gallery’s select show of pieces from Arman’s African collection features this mask from the Makonde of Tanzania, a type worn by young men in their initiation ceremonies. (In Chelsea through Jan 11th. Check website for holiday season opening hours.)
Face Mask: likomba, Makonde, Tanzania, wood, teeth, fiber, 24 x 10 x 9 inches with base. From the collection of Arman.
Jack Shainman Gallery brings together sculptures from the past twenty-six years by major Spanish artist Susana Solano this month, including these evocative rattan forms, which suggest miniaturized housing (foreground) or a gargantuan thimble (back). (In Chelsea through Jan 11th. Check website for holiday season opening hours.)
Susana Solano, Bura III (foreground), rattan, 2004-2005. Bura II (background), painted iron and rattan, 2001-2005.