New York
“As For Now” by Hugo McCloud
Where: Sean Kelly Gallery
When: May 11 - June 22
Why It’s Worth A Look: In his fifth solo show with Sean Kelly Gallery, McCloud reveals a significant shift in his artistic approach. The exhibition’s pieces show McCloud returning to his earlier work with a new perspective shaped by his recent life experiences in Mexico and a deeper understanding of his materials. In his updated “Burdened Man” series, McCloud ladles in all the world-weariness of an older creative.
Know Before You Go: A series of flower constructions on display began as a daily routine during the pandemic to mark time’s passing, turning single-use plastic into an imitation of natural life.
“The Madness of Crowds”
Where: Carriage Trade
When: May 16 - June 30
Why It’s Worth A Look: “The Madness of Crowds” at Carriage Trade explores the dynamics of group behavior and societal influence. Anchored around Carl Theodor Dreyer’s seminal 1929 film, The Passion of Joan of Arc, the exhibition weaves together both contemporary artists such as Ken Gonzales-Day with historical works. The show delves into themes of persecution, tribalism, and modern-day digital witch hunts.
Know Before You Go: The silent film, grounded in the historical record of Joan of Arc’s trial, is a portrayal of mob mentality and personal martyrdom examining how individual identity withstands or succumbs to the pressures of collective judgment.
Los Angeles
“Ash Tree” by Lucy Bull
Where: David Kordansky Gallery
When: May 11 - June 15
Why It’s Worth A Look: Bull’s latest exhibition, “Ash Tree,” displays some of her largest paintings to date, including expansive diptychs. The artist uses the landscape genre as a gateway to explore visual and metaphysical spaces. Some pieces play upon their installation space, hinting at what lies on the other side of the wall, or just around the corner.
Know Before You Go: Bull has curated a 24-hour film screening at Lumiere Cinema, taking place on June 1, featuring films by notable directors like Hideaki Anno, Catherine Breillat, and Jon Rafman. For this occasion, she has created a three-part painting specifically for the cinema’s marquee.
“Echo” by Raphaela Simon
Where: Hannah Hoffman
When: May 11 - June 22
Why It’s Worth A Look: Inspired by the myth of Echo from Ovid’s tales, where Echo can only repeat others’ words, Simon’s paintings delve into themes of repetition and transformation. Her large canvases are striking for their minimalist forms and controlled palette. Even in purely abstract works, Simon uses references like Elefant or Frosch in titles to layer meaning onto the viewer’s perception.
Know Before You Go: The body is put on display in a number of works where a spine can be seen splitting in two, or a set of teeth emerges from a spiral.
“Gestural Poetics” by Rhea Dillon
Where: Soft Opening at Paul Soto
When: April 13 - June 1
Why It’s Worth A Look: In a wide open white space, mahogany boxes sit on the floor, propped up against the walls. Inside those boxes are works on paper by Dillon. The unusual presentation signals an artist willing to push beyond the ordinary, and her quick-sketch style is unlike much of what you’ll see on the gallery circuit.
Know Before You Go: The artist is also fresh off of her first institutional exhibition, “An Alterable Terrain,” open last year at London’s Tate Britain.
London
“Wasserspeier and Angels” by Isa Genzken
Where: Hauser & Wirth
When: May 9 - July 27
Why It’s Worth A Look: “Wasserspeier and Angels” is a revival of Genzken’s 2004 installation in celebration of its 20-year anniversary. The work’s socio-political critique remains as poignant today as it was then and is composed of everyday objects and architectural forms. Gargoyles, for example, are inspired by those on Cologne Cathedral and are reimagined by Genzken, set against an aluminum floor reminiscent of the Chrysler Building’s facade.
Know Before You Go: The work’s first presentation 20 years ago marked the artist’s first major solo exhibition in London, also staged with Hauser & Wirth.
“N. Dash”
Where: Lévy Gorvy Dayan
When: April 25 - June 15
Why It’s Worth A Look: Dash’s debut exhibition at Lévy Gorvy Dayan’s new London location offers a deep dive into the interplay between natural and manufactured elements through a series of multi-panel paintings. The artist integrates organic substances with everyday industrial items–from earth and jute to factory-produced cardboard and architectural insulation–to create works that reflect on mankind’s environmental impact.
Know Before You Go: Dash’s process includes a daily ritual of fraying cotton between the fingers, transforming it into a physical record of energy and action that is later incorporated into the artwork.
Paris
“Jesse Darling”
Where: Galerie Sultana
When: May 3 - June 1
Why It’s Worth A Look: Darling’s solo exhibition at Sultana promises an exploration of material and metaphor. The exhibition investigates the artist’s ability to combine industrial materials like sheet metal and welded steel with everyday objects. Drawing inspiration from the coastal setting of Towner, the works on display explore themes of borders, physicality, national identity, and marginalization, reflecting the harsh impact built environments have had on personal spaces.
Know Before You Go: With this latest exhibition, Darling is fresh off of winning the Turner Prize last December.
