Author Archives: melissa

orig. published December 15, 2010 by CityArts I can only assume that the title of Kristen Morgin’s New York debut exhibition, New York Be Nice, is a plea for a kind review, because it bears no relation to the work … Continue reading →

Originally published November 10, 2010 by CityArts Wangechi Mutu makes some of the most unsettling and potent drawings in recent memory. Her debut New York show at Barbara Gladstone Gallery is both haunting and disturbing—and I mean that as a … Continue reading →

Originally published October 28, 2010 by CityArts Money, money everywhere, but not a buck to spend. That was one of the thoughts running through my mind as I viewed Tender by C.K. Wilde at Pavel Zoubeck Gallery. The exhibition is … Continue reading →

Originally published October 28, 2010 by CityArts Willie Cole is one of the most innovative artists working today. And what makes his work so special is that he chooses to focus at any given time on a highly limited range of … Continue reading →

Originally published September 28, 2010 by CityArts In my years of reviewing art, I have seen an extraordinary range of exhibitions from the utterly pretentious to the drop-dead gorgeous. I’ve heard more absurd justifications for shallow art than I care … Continue reading →

orig. published September 28, 20010 by CityArts Throughout the weekend of Oct. 9, Creative Time will mount its second two-day seminar that attempts to address the gigantic issue of the relationship between Art and Society. Over 40 artists, curators, critics, … Continue reading →

Originally published June 16, 2010 by CityArts Viewing the photographs of Renato D’Agostin is like stepping backwards in photographic history. In fact, I was convinced that it was a show of vintage prints, until the gallery told me that is … Continue reading →

Originally published June 3, 2010 by Time Out New York: Own This City A box factory that was built in 1900 along the Gowanus Canal seems an unlikely place to celebrate the Age of Enlightenment. But at Observatory (543 Union … Continue reading →

Originally published May 19, 2010 by CityArts Viewing the deliciously obsessive art of David Barnett, one is drawn into his world of twisted Victoriana and mechanical madness. The exhibition at Denise Bibro Gallery is a combination of collage, found objects … Continue reading →

Originally published May 19, 2010 by CityArts It has long been my contention that video is the most challenging contemporary art form. The reason is that anyone can do it. Look at YouTube—who isn’t making videos? They are easy to … Continue reading →