New York photographer Arne Svenson intended to capture the ‘quiet…most human moments,’ when he used a telephoto lens to photograph his downtown Manhattan neighbors through their apartment windows. He also succeeded in creating a loud storm of protest when they learned about the project, works from which are currently on view at Chelsea’s Julie Saul Gallery. Did he overstep the bounds of privacy? What do you think? (Through June 29th).
Arne Svenson, Neighbors #4, pigment print, 2012.
Garth Weiser continues to pursue the possibilities for contemporary abstraction with sumptuous metallic paintings like this one (seen in detail). Weiser applies copper leaf over layers of acrylic, then cuts into the surface using a razor creating patterns with color and texture. (At Chelsea’s Casey Kaplan Gallery through June 22nd).
Garth Weiser, detail of ‘WNYC sustaining member Haiku,’ copper leaf, acrylic, and dimensional fabric paint on paper, 2013.
In one of the Lower East Side’s standout shows of the moment, Margaret Weber meticulously deconstructs large sections of commercial carpeting to create two monumental wall hangings and a floor piece, changing a drab, industrial product into an airy, handcrafted textile. (At Ramiken Crucible, through June 23rd).
Margaret Weber, Trading Comfort for Freedom, industrial carpet, 2012.
Mark Shetabi’s white, pleasingly symmetrical airport baggage carousel evokes James Turrell’s models for sky-viewing structures (recently exhibited at Pace Gallery). But while both artists conjure a powerful moment of waiting and wondering, Shetabi’s clever take on minimalist forms is more anxious than sublime. (At Chelsea’s Jeff Bailey Gallery though June 22nd).
Mark Shetabi, Carousel, wood, polystyrene, modeling paste, acrylic, linen, sandpaper, old T-shirt, and Plexiglas, 2013.
At over nine feet tall, New York-based Erin Shirreff’s hot-rolled steel sculpture ‘Drop (no. 3)’ is imposing without being overbearing. The elongated shapes, hung from a steel rod, derive from paper scraps created by the artist and turn leftovers into the monumental main attraction. (At Lisa Cooley Gallery on the Lower East Side through June 23rd).
Erin Shirreff, Drop (no. 3), raw hot-rolled steel, 2013.
