Marc Handelman at Sikkema Jenkins & Co

When humans talk about nature, it’s to promote ends that may have little to do with the natural world, argues Brooklyn artist Marc Handelman in his latest solo show at Chelsea’s Sikkema, Jenkins & Co. Binders filled with images from corporate reports that portray forced compliance (e.g. cleanups) as a willing choice join whimsical paintings like these to question real motivations behind discussions of the environment. (Through April 11th).

Marc Handelman, Dear Stakeholder, oil on canvas, 87.5 x 61.75 inches, 2014.

Twenty by Sixteen at Morgan Lehman Gallery

Does affordable art exist in Chelsea anymore? ‘Twenty by Sixteen,’ a group exhibition of paintings at Morgan Lehman Gallery by 40 artists – many well-known – in 20” x 16” format offers something for everyone with all work under $11,000 and many pieces under $5,000. (In Chelsea through May 2nd).

Installation view of Twenty by Sixteen at Morgan Lehman Gallery with works by Amy Lincoln (far right) and Barbara Takenaga (middle), April 2015.

Anton Alvarez at Salon94 Freemans

Stockholm-based artist Anton Alvarez has turned Salon94’s Freeman Alley space into his studio this month to construct new works using his ‘thread wrapping machine.’ Pictured here with an assistant, Alvarez (rear) guides an object into the machine’s opening, allowing glue coated thread (each a different color) to wrap around and create a pattern. (Through May 9th – see Salon94.com for a schedule of Alvarez’s studio hours).

Anton Alvarez, installation view of ‘Wrapsody,’ at Salon94 Freemans, April 2015.

Sascha Braunig at Foxy Production

Bodies morph into nearly unrecognizable emanations in Sascha Braunig’s new group of oil on linen paintings, including ‘Feeder,’ in which an artificial life form both emerges from and feeds from a pattered background. (At Foxy Production through April 18th).

Sascha Braunig, Feeder, oil on linen over panel, 31 x 16 inches, 2014.

James Sienna at Pace Gallery

Known for intricate drawings and paintings organized by patterns and rules he devises for himself, New York artist James Sienna crosses over into sculpture for his latest show at Pace Gallery. Though he’s made 3-D work for decades, it’s his debut sculptural exhibition and includes objects of wonder and beauty, like this cherry wood configuration that scales up models made with toothpicks and grape stems. (At 508 West 25th Street through April 25th)

James Sienna, Just Read the Instructions, cherry wood, 47 3/4” x 68 1/2” x 59 3/4,” unique, 2013.