Jules de Balincourt’s “Ecstatic Contact” (2012, oil, acrylic and spray paint on wood panel, 96 x 120 inches; 243.8 x 304.8 cm).
Four fine gallery shows soon to close
Jules de Balincourt: “Ecstatic Contact”
Known for his abstract and figurative paintings that explore global anxieties, de Balincourt’s latest body of work continues this quest by narrowing in on the uncertainties of contemporary human life. A glimpse of hope is offered in “Ecstatic Contact” — a composition glowingly covered in florescent pink and red handprints, spray-painted dots and linear paint strokes. In de Balincourt’s own words, this work “emphasizes the metaphysical unity and underlying energy behind all exchanges and relationships, acting as the conductor, transmitter and orbital center to the entire show.”
Through Jan. 13. At Salon 94 Bowery: (243 Bowery, at Stanton St.). Call 212-979-0001 or visit salon94.com.
Barb Choit: “Fade Diary”
For her second solo show at Rachel Uffner Gallery, the Brooklyn-based artist will present a selection from an ongoing series of photographs, as well as a neon sculpture. The works are part of Choit’s continuous interest in “fading” as a photographic process — exploring how the sun’s UV rays can visually age an image or even lead to the erasure of the same. Choit finds many of her motifs, including remnants of a less digitalized world such as a printed map or an actual brick-and-mortar travel agency, in Brooklyn. In particular, Bushwick and Greenpoint (neighborhoods whose original character is increasingly distorted through gentrification) serve as the artist’s main hunting ground.
Through Dec. 23. At Rachel Uffner Gallery (47 Orchard St., btw. Grand & Hester Sts.). Call 212-274-0064 or visit racheluffnergallery.com.
Henry Leutwyler’s “Ballet” (2012, 60 x 40 inch, Chromogenic print).
Henry Leutwyler: “Ballet”
Foley Gallery’s newest project evokes an artist of a very different era, namely the Impressionist Edgar Degas. Like Degas before him (in the 1870s), Leutwyler has found a rich source of inspiration in the world of ballet. After photographing the New York City Ballet for years, Leutwyler was granted unprecedented backstage access during the winter of 2012. Using his 35mm Leica, he created a series of intriguing portraits of no less than 91 company members. Because Leutwyler photographed his subjects during classes, rehearsals and performances, his portraits allow for a detailed and intimate overview of this continuously inspiring art form.
Through Jan. 12. At Foley Gallery (97 Allen St., btw. Delancey & Broome Sts.). Call 212-244-9081 or visit foleygallery.com.
Richard Artschwager
This exhibition will feature 30 recent pastel on paper landscape drawings by the acclaimed American artist. Born in 1923, Artschwager is one of the most important artists to emerge during the modern postwar era. He is primarily known for works that provide ordinary objects with symbolic power, including sculptures that in the past have been described as “faux furniture.” In contrast to much of his oeuvre, which is characterized by a cool detachment and gray palette, these new landscapes offer an unusually subjective perspective. They are rendered in a brilliant palette that was inspired by the artist’s travels to New Mexico.
Through Dec. 22. At David Nolan Gallery (527 W. 29th St., btw. 10th & 11th Sts.). Call 212-925-6190 or visit davidnolangallery.com.
— BY STEPHANIE BUHMANN
