4 Recommended New York Art Shows

Kindling by James Jean at Jonathan Levine Gallery

The Blurb: Jean’s imaginative compositions feature ethereal figures; fluid in motion, and graceful in gesture. His fantasy dreamscapes capture compelling moments, often represented beyond the laws of gravity, on an undefined plane. Incorporating traditional symbolism and dynamic narratives, Kindling introduces finely rendered imagery created with Jean’s unique aesthetic, extraordinarily kinetic style and sophisticated color palette. The subjects, as the artist explains, glide through the tableaux, tracing a narrative of thwarted desires. His subtle yet suggestive themes of metamorphosis, mortality, and sexuality blend together seamlessly, bridging the gap between the real and imagined.

Recommended by: SuperTouch

Details: Jonathan Levine Gallery Website

Adela Leibowitz at 33 Bond Gallery

The blurb: With her new series Leibowitz takes the viewer on a voyeuristic journey somewhere between The Shining and Alice in Wonderland. The work focuses on the female psyche and draws its’ imagery from romantic 19th century literature scenery as well as vintage horror movies. The vignettes presented in the paintings depict at times rich and dramatically opulent interiors and at others simple denuded outdoor settings. Whether in socially enticing and oppressive interiors or free and seemingly more pure outdoor environments, the characters (exclusively women) all seem involved in role-playing. Occasionally blindfolded, masked, or nude, the women reenact childhood games, violent or sexual acts, cultural rituals, or tales of morality.

Recommended by: Phanatasmaphile

Details: 33 Bold Gallery Website

Rock On Mars by Stephen Sprouse at Deitch Project

Blurb: Rock on Mars, a retrospective exhibition of the work of Stephen Sprouse, will transform Deitch Projects’s 18 Wooster Street gallery into a realization of Sprouse’s rock and roll futuristic vision… The exhibition will introduce Sprouse’s extraordinary pop-influenced paintings to the larger art audience. His paintings of iconic rock and roll imagery including stacks of loudspeakers, Sid Vicious with his pants down, and an Iggy Pop crucifixion, have rarely been seen. The show will also include a selection of the video works made to accompany his runway shows, examples of his fabric and furniture design for Knoll, and fifty of his most influential fashion looks.

Recommended by: SuperTouch

Details: Deitch Projects