Dena Schutzer conveys chaos and calmness in latest show

The Bowery Gallery in Chelsea is currently presenting a collection of work by Dena Schutzer for the show Agitation and Retreat. For this show, Schutzer, who’s based in the New York City area, unveils several oil paintings completed over the last two years that include cityscapes, rural scenes, still-lifes, and portraits of people and animals as they go about their daily lives in varying environments. Regarding the title, Schutzer explains that “Agitation” refers to the hustle-and-bustle feeling of scenarios she observes while “Retreat” refers to quieter and more personal moments she experiences.

Some of the works depicting “Agitation” include Four Men Working that shows a group of construction workers diligently and fervently opening up a city street with clouds of steam rising. Other works in “Agitation” include the energy felt in Sparring showing a boy and his father in a boxing match in a park; Cables and Green Sky depicts a chaotic arrangement of power lines and thick, curly tree branches in wintertime; Waiting Room effectively captures the combination of boredom and anxiety of wondering when your name will be called in a doctor’s office, Motor Vehicles office, etc., and Construction With Orange Netting depicting the seemingly endless amount of large, luxury skyscrapers being built one after another in New York City.

Some of Schutzer’s works showcasing the “Retreat” part of the exhibition title include those taking place in rural areas such as Farm Scene depicting the perceived simplicity of life on a farm with horses, goats, and roosters gathered together. Other works that capture “Retreat” include Two Women On Beach with two women soaking up the sun, while Slouched depicts a young man sitting on his living room couch wearing a gray hoodie engaged with his phone and air pods. More personal scenes include those of individuals in their most intimate moments such as After the Bath and Chest. Still-lifes include White Roses, Bouquet With Pink-Roses and Sunflower From Back. At the Bowery Gallery, 547 W. 27th St., Suite 508, through May 17. Gallery Hours: Tue.-Sat. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. IMAGES: Four Men Working (2023, oil on canvas) by Dena Schutzer Farm Scene (2024, oil on canvas) by Dena Schutzer