Painting
Skin Fruit at the NEW MUSEUM Part I
Joe Bradley and Chris Martin at Mitchell-Innes & Nash
James Kalm parks his bike, and slogs through a late winter blizzard to partake in the opening of this double show featuring two of contemporary paintings most exciting practitioners. Joe Bradley employs the trappings of high formalism, Minimalism and an austere vision leavened with a unique whimsy and humor, while we are presented with a chance to view some of the massive paintings that brought Chris Martin's work to the public's attention in the late eighties. The contrasting of these two sensibilities provides us a chance to witness the wide spectrum of today's painting practice.
The Whitney Biennial 2010 Part III
Ferus Gallery West and East Coast
The Whitney Biennial 2010 Parts I & II
James Kalm returns to the scene of the crime. After being removed from the press list for the 2008 Biennial, and the subsequent getting busted by security and recording of that show on the down low, it seems the Whitney has decided to include the "Kalm Report" as a reputable member of the press for 2010's edition. This exhibition, curated by Francesco Bonami and Gary Carrion-Murayari, is touted as a national cross section of the most important and historical art produced during the past two years. Part I features the introduction by Adam Weinberg, and a walk through tour of the fourth floor.
Scott Richter New Work at ELIZABETH HARRIS
Scott Richter is an artist who has been pushing the limits and ideas of paint and painting for decades. After investigating the process of painting and mingling with elements of sculpture, this show displays a returning to the classic rectangle hung on a wall. Richter's canvases are luscious, physical and nuanced, with an undeniable presence that is satisfyingly memorable. Includes an interview with Scott Richter.
Damien Hirst: End of an Era at GAGOSIAN GALLERY
James Kalm joins throngs of fans, admirers and groupies to elbow his way through “The End of an Era” the latest offering from Damien Hirst. With his worldwide fame peaking from the recent auction of his work, which coincided with the global economic crisis, in “End of an Era" Hirst plays out his opulent critique of materialism. Featuring a pickled bull’s head, a gold plated case with nearly 30,000 manufactured diamonds and photorealistic paintings of renowned gems, this show displays a wide variety of medium and approaches used by the artist.
Inka Essenhigh: The New Old Age at 303 GALLERY
James Kalm pedals up to the opening of Inka Essenhigh’s most recent selection of paintings, “The Old New Age”. In these works the artist has concentrated on developing a sharp focus depiction of the natural landscape that surrounds her summer studio in Maine. Mingling a fantastic Surrealism with the romantic sublime, forest maddens and spirits in the mist appear to observant viewers. Includes an interview with Inka Essenhigh.
Andy Warhol Still Lifes and Feet at PAUL KASMIN
Dan Flavin at David Zwirner, and Bruce High Quality Foundation University at Susan Inglett
James Kalm immerses viewers in the colored space of Dan Flavin’s Series and Progressions at David Zwirner. These works originally designed in 1968, represent a breakthrough both in their use of “ready made” commercially available neon light fixtures and their “Post-Minimal” radiance of sensual colored light. From the austere to the over the top we next trip into the Susan Inglett Gallery for the Bruce High Quality Foundation University, a learning experience in the absurd. Bruce High Quality is a loose confederation of artists who have recently achieved a high level of visibility with their goof ball antics and pathetic products that mask their wry version of “institutional critique”.
