Awol Erizku

The Only Way Is Up.

Hasted Kraeutler

Pictured above is Awol Erizku and Scott Frank art collector. Great show from a new MFA graduate from the Yale school of Art. Many of his class contemporaries were there to support his break-out show at Hasted Kraeutler. With a precise eye, he has managed to reference modern art history with his own contemporary experiences. He is making Art and Hip-Hop accessible to two different cultures that rarely cross or share a commonality. With his 7 story basketball hoops stacked vertically with the nets created out of gold chains and a Brooklyn Nets basketball sitting at top, there is no doubt the hip hop crew could relate to this piece. But with sly creative effect, he is referencing Donald Judd and sharing mental space with modern art world contemporaries. On the flip side with the Number 87 Duschamp basketball jersey, he’s taking a ready-made (very duchampian) and bringing the Hip Hop world into the modern art world with his ready made. Cool show. This kids on the move. Check it out.

hastedkraeutler.com

Jeff Bark

Goldenboy

Hasted Kraeutler Gallery

Very of the moment photo show with live installation that includes parakeets and screened doors and a fantastic southern california vibe. Check it out.

hastedkraeutler.com

Oscar Murillo

A Mercantile Novel

Candy Factory

A little bit of chaos tonight. Everything was very buzzy and happening. The main feature of the night was the chocolate factory. No paintings were in sight. Oscar’s entire family was on site and soaking up the acclaim. I snagged a bag of marshmallows that are used to create the chocolates at the factory that his mom used to work at. Really cool and immersive experience. I can’t wait to see the art!

davidzwirner.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

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