Inspired by a 1964 short story by John Cheever in which the main character decides to swim home via a series of privately owned pools, FLAG Art Foundation’s summer group show, curated by Jonathan Rider, includes work by well over two dozen artists who picture mostly unpeopled pools and bodies of water. Here, Cynthia Talmadge’s ‘Pool,’ recalls winter days when the water is less inviting. Nearby, the sense of absence continues with Elmgreen & Dragset’s piece composed of two pairs of Calvin Klein men’s underwear nestled in two pairs of discarded 501 jeans and Zoe Crosher’s photos of sites where real or fictional people have gone missing. Martin Boyce’s faux leaves, scattered on the floor and titled ‘Evaporated Pools’, reinforce the out-of-season feel to a summer group show that goes against the grain of summer fun, instead conveying a contemplative quiet that offers its own pleasures. (On view in Chelsea through Aug 9th).
