Keith Haring
Paintings and Tarps from the 1980’s
Very graphic paintings in his preeminent style. A great chance to see visuals you probably haven’t seen before. AIDS themed paintings and tarpaulins. It always warms the heart to see his work, but this is a lot more provocative subject matter that ultimately caused his death at 31. Large and powerful. Check it out.
Andy Warhol
Piss Paintings
The new Skarstedt Gallery in Chelsea opened with a comparison show between Yves Klein and Andy Warhol entitled Fire Paintings (Klein) and Oxidation Paintings (Andy). I’ve heard about the Piss paintings before, but had never seen them hung in a gallery. They are very reminiscent of abstract expressionist work, and are quite stunning in their coloration. I particularly like the photo of Andy as you walk in the gallery of him sitting on the toilet. It works. Check it out.
Ralph Steadman
For No Good Reason
Movie and Gallery Premier with Johnny Depp regarding the artist
RedBull Gallery pop-up shop
220 West 18th Street between 7th and 8th
redbullstudios.com
Ai Weiwei
“According to What?”
Brooklyn Museum
His most recent installation is an excruciatingly detailed depiction of the period he was held in solitary detention. Inside 6 Minimalistic metal cubes that are dioramas. When you peer inside the portals of the cubes you get to see into his condition as a prisoner for 3 months. He was “shadowed” by 2 guards at all times who watched him eat, shower and shit. Intense and complicated document on his life challenging the Chinese regime. Check it out—straight from the 55th Venice Biennale and the Hirshorn Mueseum in DC.
brooklynmuseum.org
aiweiwei.com
Jakkai Siributr
“Transient Shelter”
Pictured above is Jakkai Siributr and Monica Welsh. There are 2 sections of his work. One set is earlier work that is more abstract and intricate set off separately from the main show of new work. Current pieces consist of hand stitched uniforms representative of Thailand and photographs of the artist wearing the same uniforms. Culturally these are common style of portraits from Thailand but there is an incongruity between the pacifism of Buddhist teachings and the military outfits that occupy the same space culturally. A beautiful and elegant show. Check it out.
trfineart.com
Julian Schnabel
“View of Dawn in the tropics: Paintings, 1989-1990”
Gagosian Gallery on 24th
Very surprising show. Even though the canvasses are 25 years old, they still seem fresh and of the moment, a little Basquiat with some of the word and type treatments, but the canvasses are huge. All were painted “En plein air” and have an urgent active feeling. Definitely worth checking out.
gagosian.com
East of Dirty
Tapp Francke
“This is you”
Gallery nine5
Pictured above is the artist Tapp Francke and Monica Welsh. Amazingly current and of-the-moment mirrored artworks that serve as a backdrop to the “Selfie” generation. Everyone was snapping photos and loading them up on instagram. Great people, great show and great art. Check it out.
gallerynine5.com
Julian Schnabel has a big show at Gagosian Gallery on 24th as well as Thai Artist Jakkal Siributr has a Cindy Shermanesque show of photos. Check it out.
Mike Mellia “Our Side of the Story: South Sudan”
Mike was kind enough to invite me to his opening last night and to chat with me a bit about his new work. Each photograph is a portrait of South Sudanese who managed to not only escape there war torn country but flourish here in America. The photo’s have a beautiful Chiaroscuro look focusing on the amazing faces of these brave people. This show is well worth seeing! #mikemellia #southsudanese #nykhorpaul
Tapir Editions Gallery, 39 White Street, NYC
Vik Muniz "Album"
April 10th - May 10th
Sikkema Jenkins Gallery has a massive exhibition of Vik Muniz latest work built from photo album scraps, very sweet and personal. Pictured above, Vik Muniz and Monica Welsh. Great show. Check it out.
Sikkema Jenkins & Co Gallery 530 West 22nd Street