Jane & Louise Wilson at 303 Gallery

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British sisters Jane and Louise Wilson planted yardsticks in scenes from an H-bomb testing facility in the UK (at back) and a building at Chernobyl then photographed them, seemingly taking the measure of atomic energy as a destructive force.  In the foreground, a yardstick sculpture references a 1924 Rodchenko sculpture while suggesting that precision hasn’t helped this listing structure.  (At Chelsea’s 303 Gallery through August 2nd).  

Jane and Louise Wilson, installation view at 303 Gallery including ‘Altogether,’ Madeira wood, 2010.

Shi Zhiying at James Cohan Gallery

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Chinese artist Shi Zhiying’s oil paintings of vessels and stone carvings at Chelsea’s James Cohan Gallery were inspired by her travels in China, Cambodia and India.  Strong tonal contrast and a grisaille color scheme impart a somber restraint that speaks to the spiritual import of her subject matter. (Through July 26th).  

Shi Zhiying, Rock Carving of Thousand Buddhas, oil on canvas, 2013.

Willard Boepple at Lori Bookstein Fine Art

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Willard Boepple’s 1981 stainless steel tower is a standout in Lori Bookstein Fine Art’s ‘Heavy Metal’ show for suggesting but denying utility with steps that look as if they’ve survived a hurricane or a cubist rendering. (Through June 29th).  

Willard Boepple, Stephanie, stainless steel, 1981.

Raymond Pettibon on the High Line

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Raymond Pettibon tends to make large installations of small drawings, so this huge drawing depicting a Boston Red Sox and Brooklyn Dodgers game, located next to the High Line at 10th Avenue and 18th Street, is an eye-opener.  The picture goes beyond baseball to hint at East Coast/West Coast rivalries (the Dodgers moved to LA) that extend to music and more. (Through July 1st).  

Raymond Pettibon, No Title (Safe he called…), print on vinyl, 2010.

Alexandre Arrechea in Union Square

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If you missed Alexandre Arrechea’s sculptures of iconic New York City buildings on the Park Avenue mall this spring, you have another chance to enjoy the Cuban artist’s playful take on the city’s architectural landmarks.  Located at the northwest corner of Union Square, this vivid red steel sculpture reimagines The Sherry Netherland hotel as an ouroboros.

Alexandre Arrechea, Sherry Netherland, steel, 2013.