Is abstraction less political than representational art? ‘Hiding in Plain Sight,’ Pace Gallery’s summer group exhibition, argues for abstract art’s capacity to embody resistance. Yto Barrada’s ‘Geological Time Scale,’ a selection of monochrome Moroccan rugs arranged around a custom-built table, recalls how an early 20th century French general’s catalogue of traditional rugs excluded single-color pieces, his bias impacting his audience’s understanding of Moroccan textile production. (On view in Chelsea through Aug 20th).
Marepe in ‘Tales of Manhattan’ at Anton Kern Gallery
Brazilian artist Marepe’s socially conscious practice thrives on contrasts between city and country, rich and poor, etc.; each of these five assemblages in Anton Kern Gallery’s 25-year anniversary show is collectively titled ‘caipira’ or ‘bumpkins’ and features a prominent heart drawn in pastel. Set up like pins waiting to be bowled down, these unsuspecting folk appear to be especially vulnerable. (On view at 16 East 55th Street through Aug 20th).
Brea Souders at Bruce Silverstein Gallery
Photography came of age in the 19th century western landscape and, more recently, the western U.S. has been transformed by the effects of climate change says artist Brea Souders, whose new series ‘Vistas’ at Bruce Silverstein Gallery explores representations of the region created using Google Photo Sphere. Each found photo features a distorted shadow, Google’s algorithm having removed images of people. As individual agency meets global dissemination of images taken in remote locations, the scale and experience of nature shifts dramatically. (On view in Chelsea through Aug 20th).
Diedrick Brackens at Jack Shainman Gallery
Queer community in natural settings inspired Diedrick Brackens latest show of vibrant weavings at Jack Shainman Gallery’s 20th Street location. Here, two figures connect to each other via the closeness of their echoing silhouettes as they create organic shapes in harmony with the landscape around them. (On view through August 20th).
JoAnn Verburg at Pace Gallery
JoAnn Verburg’s recent photos at Pace Gallery of olive groves were taken in California, Israel and Italy, but it’s not always easy to guess which location is which. Calling the images a ‘contemplative respite’ from the demands of everyday city life, Verburg steps outside of the specifics of place and time to present a meditation on time and beauty in nature. (On view in Chelsea through Aug 20th).