shows

Feeling the summer heat this week? Why not step back indoors and spend a little time gazing at some of NYC’s best free exhibitions. Art not only serves as a delight for the eyes and hearts, but also brings people together. A simple gathering of curious minds and bodies in one calm, open environment has the ability to transcend whatever daily occupations seem to bog our spirits down. Whether its for light hearted enjoyment, catching up with a friend, or simply appreciating the artists and their hard work, museums and galleries seem to provide a small moment of peace, tranquility, and sanctuary from the bustling outside world. Unfortunately, so many around the nation lack access to any sort of creative outlet, be it means of transportation, location, fees that hinder their ability to enjoy what should be readily available to all. And so, this long list of free and open exhibits should not be ignored, take it upon yourselves to enjoy a little peace and quiet in the city! Spend a few hours, hopping between a few exhibitions or simply find your favorite and really take pleasure in the effort, passion, and heart that goes into creating each work.

NYC is offering many free exhibits showings, and a few in particular caught our eye. Showing at Skarstedt Gallery is Eric Fischl’s recent paintings which explore the relationship between the “real world” and our hyper-connected technology based world. His pieces may seem a bit harsh at first, but may inspire some to think twice about their time spent online, connected to the web. There’s a few more days to see this show.

 

See internationally recognized potter, Kirk Magnus’s imaginative forms showcasing his knowledge of mixing glazes, styles and techniques to create his potted sculptures. “His work [draws] upon myriad influences, including cave art, modernist abstraction, folk art and Japanese prints, as well as Meso-American and Asian ceramic traditions. His work will be shown at James Cohan Gallery until Sunday.

If your looking for something a bit different, Terrence Koh’s “Bee Chapel” may be right. His performances and installations are saturated with “porn references, punk attitude and queer aesthetics.” Since a short stint in the woods his newest works have transformed “the gallery into a solar-powered “living Garden of Eden,” complete with Apple tree.”

Pop by Soho’s gallery Lehmann Maupin for a quick dose of manga, anime inspired works which highlight Japan’s pop culture. His works depict innocent boys and girls, whose innocence is being stirred and tainted by sexualized undercurrents.

For complete listings and details consult Timeout’s full list of exhibitions.