Half Gallery features the art of Wes Lang in “Here Comes Sunshine,” a fun collection that draws on a variety of influences including tattoo art and motorcycle culture. Ominous references to impending death are plentiful as are nods to the highly sexualized female form.
The paintings appear as incredibly annotated documents, offering a detailed glimpse into Lang’s very busy subconscious.
There’s a lot to read in these works—messages written directly onto the paintings—that offer plenty for us to ponder. For example, “Everything is not enough” and “Pick a Place to Fly Away.” Non-sequiturs? Aphorisms for daily living? Take what you wish from them. The works are thought-provoking, thoroughly absorbing and a joy to experience. Through June 22.
Klaus von Nichtssagend Gallery presents a show of new works by Donna Chung. “Cloud Hem” is Chung’s second solo show and features several wall pieces and sculptures made from paper, wood, metal, and found objects.
When asked what a “cloud hem” is in an interview provided by the gallery, Chung responded it “marks the endgame of nomenclature. …The title of a show feels like such a weight of a decision that it’s best to leave it a little up to chance, or various inputs, or a friend and a computer.”
Maybe so, though it hardly seems Chung left anything to chance in the calculated works presented in this show. The works carry a formalism and precision that belie the whimsy she expressed in her explanation of the show’s name. Nevertheless, the works are striking and elegant in their simplicity of form. Hurry: This one is on view through June 3.
Noted: Strange Loop Gallery’s “Renaissance,” a collection of kitschy ephemera that includes cute bunny rabbits, household items, along with stark and whimsical photo portraits runs through June 6.
Featured Gallery Picks
Klaus von Nichtssagend Gallery/ 54 Ludlow St./ 212.777.7756; Wed.-Sun. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Half Gallery/ 208 Forsyth St./ Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sat. 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. and by appointment.
Strange Loop/ 27 Orchard St. between Canal and Hester/ 646.410.2083 or 347.963.3881; Wed.-Sun. 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
TLD contributor Tobi Elkin is a writer, editor and interviewer and former resident of the Lower East Side who delights in the neighborhood’s eclectic pleasures. A regular reader of The Lo-Down, her diverse interests include arts and entertainment, film, food and cultural critique. Visit her website at tobielkin.com.
Why not add the opening dates and times?
Hi David,
The shows’ openings, frequently, have already taken place and the shows are in progress. However, we can certainly add details for upcoming opening events and receptions.
noted: the exhibition ‘Ren-ais-sance’ at Strange Loop Gallery is up until June 9th, not June 6th. And it is a lot more than a collection of kitschy ephemera….
Duly noted.