Off the Chart(s)

One of the goals of this website is simplification. The art scene in NYC (like most other “scenes” here) is complex and overwhelming…. To cover it all is impossible, not only logistically, but at some point a website becomes un-navigate-able.   One downside is that I occasionally see shows outside of Chelsea and the Lower East Side that I'd really like to talk about.   For those who read my blog – I’ll start writing them here in a new category I will call “Off the Chart(s)”.

Alex Hubbard @ Maccarone
630 Greenwich Street

I’ve been following Alex Hubbard for a few years. “Video Art” isn’t something I usually get too excited about. However, Hubbard’s work is not only good, it’s so good it makes me reconsider owning video art. One of my issues with video art is its tendency to steadily decrease in interest after 1 viewing – however these (like his previous film works) I watched over and over and over. I also LOVE the fiberglass paintings in the south gallery– The first time I saw Rudolf Stingel’s paintings I noted: “like Rothko but cooler” (so not to be accused of blasphemy, I said “cooler”, not “better”). For these paintings I wrote only: “…even cooler”.

Miroslav Tichy @ ICP (International Center of Photography)
1133 Avenue of the Americas

I’m a little bummed that the show is smaller than I had hoped… but I loved these photos the first time I saw them at the Armory last year. They have this Darger-esc “innocent/creepy” thing going on in a slightly different way.   The short documentary playing in the back gallery was well worth the $12 admission.