Spencer Finch at James Cohan Gallery

by Merrily KerrDon't MissPosted on Comments are Disabled

In 1846, Henry David Thoreau took soundings to measure the depth of Walden Pond, disproving local legends that claimed it was bottomless.  A century and a half later, Spencer Finch’s soundings recorded location, depth and surface color at hundreds of different points on Walden Pond, creating a visual record of both surface and depths.   (At Chelsea’s James Cohan Gallery through June 15th)

Spencer Finch, Walden Pond (surface/depth), rope, cloth, twine, 298 watercolors on watercolor paper, 120 feet long, 2013.

Rodney Graham at 303 Gallery

by Merrily KerrDon't MissPosted on Comments are Disabled

Rodney Graham’s ‘Old Punk On Pay Phone’ may not be part of the Met’s much anticipated punk couture exhibition opening today; instead seen downtown at Chelsea’s 303 Gallery it begs the question of what punk counterculture means to this aging character, played by the 64 year old artist. (Through June 15th)  

Rodney Graham, Old Punk on Pay Phone, painted aluminum light box with transmounted chromogenic transparency, 2012.

Tim Hawkinson at Pace Gallery

by Merrily KerrDon't MissPosted on Comments are Disabled

Each of LA-based artist Tim Hawkinson’s new sculptures at Pace Gallery is named after a girl-scout cookie, with this piece provocatively titled ‘Cartwheel.’  Featuring spinning wheels on each toe and the heel, this giant foot looks ready to roll around town popping eyes. (At Pace Gallery’s 508 W. 25th Street location through June 29th)  

Tim Hawkinson, Cartwheel, fiberglass, steel, Bondo, motor & extension cord, 2013.

Maria Petschnig at On Stellar Rays

by Merrily KerrDon't MissPosted on Comments are Disabled

Austrian-born, Brooklyn-based artist Maria Petschnig terms her videos ‘raw’ and ‘psychological,’ terms which still apply to her videos and installation at On Stellar Rays on the Lower East Side, as she transforms the white cube gallery into a dimly lit, wood-paneled maze punctuated by mattress sculptures featuring eerily unknowable lumps.  (Through June 16th).  

Maria Petschnig, Mycroft, mattress, jersey, polyester, padding, 2013.

Benjamin Edwards at Kravets Wehby Gallery

by Merrily KerrDon't MissPosted on Comments are Disabled

Does greater technology result in greater progress?  Machines and giant-sized virtual humans tower over futuristic cities in Washington D.C.-based painter Benjamin Edwards’ provocative new series ‘System,’ ominously answering in the negative and suggesting that chaos will overtake us. (At Kravets/Wehby Gallery through May 11th).  

Benjamin Edwards, Toy, acrylic on canvas, 2012.