Late artist Alan Shields was no stranger to the sewing machine or to using canvas to construct colorful abstractions. In an homage exhibition that makes connections between Shields’ work and that of younger colleagues, Cheryl Donegan’s track suits manipulate clothing prints, which are then printed onto new garments, complicating the path from idea to product. (On view at Van Doren Waxter on the Lower East Side through Feb 24th).
Featuring live flowering plants, Jeff Koons’ huge mirror-polished stainless steel bluebird not only represents nature but brings it into the gallery. It’s part of David Zwirner Gallery’s 25-year anniversary exhibition, which includes work by many of the world’s best-known western contemporary artists and makes clear the scale of the gallery’s art world involvement. (On view at 537 West 20th Street and all Zwirner locations in Chelsea through Feb 17th.)
An all-powerful, muscular man subjugates woman and destroys nature in a series of potent paintings by Judy Chicago from 1984, now on view at Salon94. His invincible nature comes into question, however, in this painting from a triptych titled ‘Rainbow Man,’ in which he strains to bend a rainbow that snaps out of his hands and boomerangs back into shape. More than thirty years after being painted, the artist’s warning has only become more relevant to contemporary attitudes to the earth and the environment. (On view on the Lower East Side through March 3rd).
Titled ‘Casting Call,’ Judith Henry’s installation of 300 small abstract sculptures look like mini-cobbled together robots or tools. Featuring eyes or resembling cameras, some meet our gaze; others appear to be small totems, like the figure at front here, resembling Shiva surrounded by a ring of fire. (On view at Bravin Lee in Chelsea through Feb 17th).
Art can be playful but doesn’t often involve play; Scott Alario’s images of an alien invasion – enacted with his young son – result in photos like this arresting image of a Star Wars limited edition cereal box used as avatar and shield. (On view at Kristen Lorello Gallery on the Lower East Side through Jan 27th).
