Nicelle Beauchene Gallery presents a dual show of woodblock prints by Jack Vickridge and sculptural reliefs by Lizzie Wright. The pairing seems natural as both share an interest in geometric abstraction, simple lines and wood. Yes, wood.
Vickridge’s woodblock prints explore the acts of marking and erasure. His woodblock plates are created from a series of folds, scores and dissections, all of which hint at the physical and sculptural act of mark-making.
Wright’s white-washed sculptures use offcuts of wood. The cuts and marks in the wood are the main focus of the work which feels both completely modern and from an earlier time. Both artists deliver clean, spare forms that are pleasing to the eye. Through August 3rd.
A special summer treat that’s not to be missed: “Summer Selections” at Woodward Gallery.
The “Selections” are taken from Woodward’s impressive cache of modern art that includes the works of Jean Michel Basquiat, Rick Begneaud, Susan Breen, Thomas Buildmore, Alexander Calder, Paul Gauguin, Sybil Gibson, Richard Hambleton, Jasper Johns, Margaret Morrison, Robert Rauschenberg, stickman and Jo Ellen Van Ouwerkerk.
There’s even a Warhol — a primitive-looking brightly colored mask.
Who knew the gallery had such artists? Its owners John and Kristine Woodward have been collecting art since the early 1990s—John knew Basquiat when he first emerged and delivered food to Warhol’s Factory in the late ’70s, early ’80s. Through August 4th.
Notable:
Louis B. James Gallery at 143B Orchard St.: James delivers “Chaos, Control, Chaos Control.” A little like hard candy, Brendan Smith pours liquid plastic over mylar balloons and offers rectangles painted in vivid colors. Smith is teamed with David Mramor, who prints on satin pillows and canvas, photos of his late mother along with other female icons including Anna Nicole Smith, Karen Carpenter and Mother Teresa. It all makes for a strange kind of hyper-reality. Open Wed.-Sat. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sun. 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Through July 27.
toomer labzda at 104 Forsyth St. holds an opening reception on July 19 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. for Jerry Blackman. The show features pieces that are made with rope, metal chain, paint, faux wood and crystal. Focusing on the surface, Blackman plays with the perception of materiality through a process of adding to and subtracting from. By the way, toomer labzda likes a party—if you can’t make it to the opener, catch the closing party on July 25 from 6 to 8—the Blackman show closes July 26.
Featured Galleries:
Nicelle Beauchene/ 21 Orchard St./ 212.375.8043/ Summer Hours: Tues.-Fri. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Woodward Gallery/ 133 Eldridge St./ 212.966.3411/ Tues.-Sat. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sun. p.m. to 5 p.m. and by appointment.
TLD contributor Tobi Elkin is a writer, editor and interviewer. A former Lower East Side resident, she delights in the neighborhood’s eclectic and diverse pleasures. Visit her website at tobielkin.com.
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