If you were in New York City this past summer, you may have passed by twelve large bronze animal head sculptures at the historic Pulitzer Fountain at Grand Army Plaza near Central Park and the Plaza Hotel. (The works have since moved on to Los Angeles County Museum of Art through February 12th as part of a multi-year world tour.)

Sculptures by Chinese artist Ai Weiwei in their temporary location in front of the Plaza Hotel in New York (from culture.wnyc.org)

Or you might have read about the controversial, internationally renowned, Chinese contemporary artist Ai Weiwei here at The Bare Square.

Whether this is your first introduction or you’re an avid Ai Weiwei follower, this week is a great opportunity to get better acquainted. On Thursday, Paul Kasmin Gallery invites you to celebrate the opening of Ai Weiwei: Circle of Animals. The event marks not only the opening of this important exhibition but also the inauguration of Paul Kasmin’s new gallery space. But wait, there’s more…it’s also the book launch for Ai Weiwei: Circle of Animals, edited by Susan Delson and published by Prestel in association with AW Asia.

Ai Weiwei Circle of Animals book cover (from Amazon UK)

The new 10″ x 11″ hardcover book includes texts by Paola Dematte, Colin Jones, Kristina Kleutghen, Lark E. Mason, Charles Merewether, Marco Musillo, Karen Smith, and Joe-Hynn Yan. Inside it’s 222 pages are 180 illustrations of his monumental work in addition to a guided tour through the artist’s career.

In conjunction with the book launch, on view for the very first time are the gold set of Ai Weiwei’s bronze sculptures, Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads: Gold (2010).

The gallery’s website explains, “The twelve animal heads, each depicting a segment of the ancient Chinese zodiac, are based on a complex fountain and clock system that was built for an imperial retreat in 18th century China. Located at the Old Summer Palace just outside Beijing, the original fountain-clock was designed by two European Jesuits at the behest of Emperor Qianlong. When the retreat was looted by European soldiers, the bronze animal heads were stolen and only seven of the twelve are known to survive. Ai Weiwei has re-interpreted these objects, pursuing his ongoing exploration of the “fake” and the copy of the original, as well as the repatriation of cultural heritage.”

The current global contemporary art dialog certainly includes the name Ai Weiwei. W Magazine recently collaborated with the artist to release an issue dedicated to his work. Keep your finger on the pulse of the global contemporary art scene by checking out this influential artist’s work at Paul Kasmin Gallery this Thursday! If you can’t make the opening, make sure to head to Chelsea to see this exhibition before it closes on Dec. 23.

- Jen Wallace

Ai Weiwei: Circle of Animals
Paul Kasmin Gallery
Nov. 17 – Dec. 23
Opening Reception: THIS THURS, Nov. 17, 6-8pm
515 West 27th St.
New York, NY

Two shows + simultaneous openings + one great Williamsburg gallery = a fun filled Friday night!

The Tide Waits for No Man by Brian Dewan and Between the Acts: the Bagnolo Suite by David Scher will open this Friday night at Pierogi gallery in Brooklyn. (This opening is part of Williamsburg Gallery Association’s 2nd Fridays)

Brian Dewan, Ink and watercolor on paper (Drawing from “The Tide Waits For No Man” Film Strip) at Pierogi gallery

His fourth show at the gallery, Brian Dewan’s exhibition explores concepts of being human through a variety of senses. Dewan creates “Film Strips” – drawings, an accompanying story and narration, as well as music and sound effects. The Tide Waits for No Man serves as the artist’s literal translation of the word tide and the effects of the moon on Earth and us. He approaches this concept with whimsy and reminds us that we are not in control no matter how hard we try to be.

“Film Strips” are a form of projected image that progresses in slideshow form. They were originally used in schools from the 1920s through the ’70s, and were typically dryly informative on dull subjects. When using this technology, image frames are advanced by hand, frame-by-frame with an accompanying narrative. Dewan uses this technique to express his own informative, often cautionary stories that are at the same time deadpan and humorous.

Bagnolo Series W3 by David Scher at Pierogi Gallery

The exhibition in Pierogi’s gallery #2 includes new drawings created by David Scher while he was living in Marseille, France, this past year. Like Dewan, Sher’s show will be his fourth held at the gallery. The drawings explore the nature of communication through text-based and illustrative means.

“Tired of being spoken to? Look at these drawings. Letters hover waiting assignment. Books are where letters clam up.” said Sher about his gestural stories incorporating text and imagery that take the viewer on their own journey. MoMA’s permanent collection includes Scher’s work.

See these two great artists (+ more if you’re feeling adventurous – WGA) this Friday night in Brooklyn.

- Jen Wallace

Brian Dewan - The Tide Waits for No Man (Gallery 1)
David Scher – Between the Acts: the Bagnolo Suite (Gallery 2)
Oct. 14 – Nov. 13
Opening Reception: Friday Oct. 14, 7-9pm
Pierogi gallery 
177 N. 9th St.
Brooklyn, NY

A two-man show consisting of innovative industrial landscapes opens Thursday in Soho, and you should go. Disintegration and Sprawl, presented by Christina Ray gallery, shows off compelling works by Amze Emmons, based in Philadelphia, and Kevin Haas, who lives in Washington state.

The two artists’ work explores relics of industrialized cities. They examine concepts of repurposing ruins from an industrial, capitalist society into that of sustainability and future purpose.

Suitable for Mass Transit by Amze Emmons at Christina Ray gallery

Amze Emmons adds playful color to desolate scenes. A multi-disciplinary artist with experience in drawing and printmaking, Emmons’ work surprises with it’s playful nature set in stark contrast to the landscape. Emmons’ work can inspire introspection, at times somber, at other times hopeful.

I-90: Exit 109 by Kevin Haas at Christina Ray gallery

Kevin Haas uses webs of lines to spin out his urban landscapes. Haas layers line drawings of billboards, trees, cars, and street signs to create vibrancy. Through the works’ energy and tension, Haas, like Emmons, breathes life into barren scenes.

The two artists’ unique voices approach similar subject matter in different ways. Their works play nicely together, and create an interesting dialogue about our country’s landscape.

Both of these artists are sure to impress. Check them out at the opening reception this Thursday or during gallery hours through October 30th.

- Jen Wallace

Disintegration and Sprawl
Amze Emmons and Kevin Haas
Christina Ray gallery 
Oct. 6 – Oct. 30
Opening Reception: THIS THURS. 10/6, 7-9pm
30 Grand Street
New York NY 10013

Often for Jen Recommends I suggest a specific gallery opening for The Bare Square readers to check out.

This week I’m recommending 127 galleries. This may seem like a lot, but don’t be overwhelmed. The second annual Chelsea Art Walk has made exploring Chelsea a lot easier for one night only.

On Chelsea Art Walk’s website you will find a downloadable map of the participating galleries. Most of the action will take place between West 19th and West 29th streets, and west of 10th Avenue. In addition, the website provides a downloadable list of events, including talks and tours from artists, curators, and gallery owners. The night will also feature special live performances, book signings, and receptions.

Savvy readers of The Bare Square will recognize some participating galleries we’ve mentioned before like Claire Oliver Gallery, CUE Art Foundation and David Zwirner (these links have fun Jen Recommends video updates, too).

For those of you with smart phones and iPads, you can download a cool interactive map app via iTunes from sponsor The Exhibitionist New York.

With so many participating venues, events, and sponsors (not to mention an after party), this is sure to be an art-filled and fun-filled night in Chelsea.

Share this with friends and make a night of it. And tell them you heard about it on The Bare Square!

Don’t miss it!

-Jen

New Yorkers love New York, and I’m no exception.

This week I recommend heading to one of my favorite Chelsea galleries, the George Billis Gallery. Thursday opens a group show, The Buildings of New York II. The show features 19 artists paying tribute to the big apple with their urban landscapes.

I like the use of light & shadow in the work above. (Billis’ gallery did not provide specific artwork titles and artist information on their website.) The artist uses just enough detail, but not too much. The subtle use of color also impresses, as the work appears predominantly blue, but a wide-ranging palette becomes more apparent after prolonged appreciation. (In fact, because Billis didn’t provide the title of the piece, James took to calling it Rhapsody in Blue, after the famous Gershwin song.)

Update: George Billis Gallery filled us in – the painting above is by David Leonard, called The Island of Manhattan. 7/21/11

By contrast, where the work above is ethereal and almost dream-like in its execution, the work below, Intersection of Myrtle, Irving, and Grove (Bushwick), by Todd Gordon (title & artist from Artslant), is detailed and gritty, portraying a raw, street-level view of the city. Again the mastery of light comes across, as well as perspective. Despite the brightness and presence of a person crossing the street, the painting seems to emphasize a sense of barrenness and isolation. (I’m thinking zombie apocalypse here!)

When executed well, urban landscapes can set a mood, take you to a far away place, or remind you of home. Because this show focuses on New York City, New Yorkers (myself included) can enjoy different views and perspectives of the city we love and live in. For others this exhibition may portray a grand metropolis, a far cry from their every day lives, maybe even depicting their dream of the big city. Different people have different sentiments about New York and this show promises to evoke a wide range of reactions.

Because of George Billis’ talent as a curator, “Jen Recommends” has recommended his gallery before, making him the first “two-time” recipient of my pick of the week. Congratulations!

Check out this video update from the last opening we attended at George Billis gallery.

The Buildings of New York II looks like a wonderful compilation of very talented landscape artists. I can’t wait to go check out this show in person. I hope you can make the opening this Thursday.

- Jen & James

George Billis Gallery
The Buildings of New York II
July 19th – August 20th
Opening – This Thursday July 21st, 6-8pm
521 West 26th Street, B1
New York, NY 10001