Belgian photographer Maroesjka Lavigne has traveled from Namibia to China to the American West photographing animals and landscapes featuring unusual and unexpected color relationships. ‘Rainbow mountains’ in Xinjiang China and sharp pops of color from yellow plants in Argentina are standouts in her solo show at Robert Mann Gallery, but it’s the unexpectedly beautiful soft pastel blooms of rust on the car in this photo that steal the show. (On view in Chelsea through Dec 21st).
Simen Johan’s dramatic photographs of animals are convincing at first glance, then give viewers pause to consider. Johan’s skillful digital manipulations allow a panda to appear ready to nurse furry little black and white creatures which turn out to be skunks, while in another image, a longhorn bull poses comfortably in an Alpine scene, though the animal may be more at home in Texas. In its original setting, this wolf was having its belly rubbed; in the gallery, its blank look and menacing teeth capitalize on preconceived ideas about the animal’s ferocity. (On view in Chelsea at Yossi Milo Gallery through Dec 7th).
Holly Coulis electrifies the traditional genre of still life, painting arrangements of glasses, pitchers and fruit that sometimes appear to defy gravity while popping dramatically off of the canvas in brilliant color. In her latest show at Lower East Side gallery Klaus Von Nichtssagend, a bowl of lemons and one lime materialize in three dimensions to perform a wonderfully dynamic juggling act. (On view through Dec 15th).
What color is the moon? Astronauts disagreed on the answer, and their conversations sparked artist and son of the founders of the Italian fashion company Missoni to reorient his long-term photographic study of the moon to portray the celestial body in brilliant color. In an installation in Benrubi Gallery’s dark side gallery, Missoni presents an installation of back-lit transparencies that give the orb a stunning presence. (On view in Chelsea through Dec 21st).
Known for portraits of her friends and circle that recall the color and lighting of early 20th century European avant-garde painting, Hope Gangloff has refocused her recent paintings on images of plants in nature and indoors. Her still vibrant palette and energetic compositions are as enticing as ever as she turns a screen into a glittering backdrop for a still life showcasing hardy succulents and the artist’s essential tools. (On view at Susan Inglett Gallery in Chelsea through Nov 30th).
