Alison's Art Reviews

The Jack Shainman Gallery in Chelsea is currently presenting an exhibition of work by Claudette Schreuders for an exhibition titled Genesis . The biblical title of the show reflects Schreuders’ dedication to creating simplistic yet original forms as a way of pursuing profound truths. The works on display include both figures and drawings of each of her subjects that are character studies mostly representing people and animals of her native Cape Town. One of the works in the show also known as Genesis is a depiction of Schreuders’ partner who is shown lying on his back in comfortable loungewear with his head propped up upon three pillows reading a page of the famous religious publication. In her drawing and sculpture titled Work , Schreuders illustrates the notion of her actually creating her works of art as she depicts herself diligently molding a piece of ceramic clay into a human head. Other character studies include Summer featuring a young white woman in a bikini, Emil featu...

The Ford Foundation Building in Midtown East is currently presenting the group exhibition titled THIS IS NOT A RETREAT! In its gallery space. The show offers more than 30 works by 25 artists who belong to a fellowship program based in New Haven, CT known as NXTHVN an abbreviation for “Next Haven” and was founded seven years ago by artist Titus Kaphar and businessman Jason Price and has helped aspiring artists advance their craft. The works on display include a large-scale mixed media installation titled Distorted Myths (Popo y Izta) by Esteban Ramon Perez.The body of the installation is a large, leather tarp featuring swirly lines converging toward the center and hangs from a wooden stick adorned with peacock feathers. The piece is inspired by a fictional story of a princess and a warrior that takes place in the volcanic atmosphere of Mexico. Anindida Dutta offers a similar installation known as Sex, Sexuality, and Society--Botswana . Dutta’s piece is comprised of several blac...