Sublime images of cliff faces by Japanese artist Hiroshi Senju (as seen here in detail) begin as mulberry washi paper, sourced from a specialist paper maker who can only make the paper in winter. After creating texture by hand-rumpling the large paper sheets, Senju uses handmade brushes and natural and synthetic pigments to render the natural world as apparition. (On view at Sundaram Tagore Gallery in Chelsea through Jan 13th).
The visionary landscapes of Joseph Yoakum (1890-1972) and Robyn O’Neil (b. 1977) are Spartan and stylized, turning familiar natural forms of mountains, trees and more into apocalyptic omens. In this detail of a drawing by O’Neil, America’s national bird dominates a huddled crowd and an inhospitable landscape. (On view at Susan Inglett Gallery through Jan 27th).
Large new paintings by Arturo Herrera suggest movement across the canvas, as if wind or gravity partnered with the Berlin-based painter to drag earthy, autumn tones over a now partially obscured pattern. Usually involving half-seen layers, Herrera’s works continue to obscure and reveal. (At Sikkema Jenkins & Co. through Jan 20th).
Known for photographing opulent buildings from Italy to Havana, Michael Eastman’s latest series focuses on century-old neoclassical interiors in Buenos Aires. This slightly less extravagant but no less gorgeous college stairwell is the picture of tranquility in cool, blue and green-toned tile. That it is without students suggests timing or an oblique reference to something more sinister in Argentina’s past. (On view at Edwynn Houk Gallery in midtown through Jan 20th).
In her late 80s, late American sculptor and printmaker Elizabeth Catlett created this arresting print, now a highlight of her mini-retrospective at Burning in Water gallery in Chelsea. Here, Catlett synthesizes influences from African art, European modernism and more in a portrait that feels both cutting edge and connected with early 20th century avant-garde art. (On view through Feb 3rd).
