Larry Clark’s “Knoxville (homage to Brad Renfro).” (2011 | Color photographs on board | 42 X 86 inches; 106.68 X 218.44 cm).
BY STEPHANIE BUHMANN (stephaniebuhmann.com)
JOE FLEMING: “SUCKERPUNCH” Fleming’s first New York solo show features a selection of paintings that employ an array of recycled materials. Enamel and spray foam are among the favored ingredients here and aid in generating an overall raw energy. The better-known Anselm Reyle comes to mind, but Fleming keeps his shapes more distinctly graphic. He embraces geometry in his forms, which are contrasted with brushy gestural backgrounds.
Many of Fleming’s paintings are built up and heavily textured, suggesting that Fleming has a keen interest in sculptural qualities. By focusing on vivid variety, “Suckerpunch” translates as a dynamic and enthusiastic indulgence of color, form, and gesture.
Through June 14, at Mike Weiss Gallery (520 W. 24th St., btw. 10th & 11th Aves.). Hours: Tues. – Sat., 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Call 212-691-6899 or visit mikeweissgallery.com.
LARRY CLARK: “they thought i were but i aren’t anymore…”
Known primarily for his significant photographic and filmic works, Clark has recently expanded his creative production to the mediums of sculpture and painting. This exhibition serves as a significant survey of his oeuvre, featuring works from 1961 to the present. His earliest portrait of his friend Johnny Bridges, made with a Rolleiflex camera borrowed from his mother, is as much part of this tour de force as later paintings.
Joe Fleming’s “The Flood #2” (2014 | Enamel, spray-foam, streetsign, metal, wood | 45x42x10in). On view at Mike Weiss Gallery, through June 14.
As a fervent collector, Clark sources inspiration from a large collection of snapshots and printed material. His main interest has been, and remains, kids on the brink of becoming men and women, capturing some of the beautiful, painful, productive and destructive aspects involved in this transition.
June 7 – Aug. 1, at Luhring Augustine (531 W. 24th St., btw. 10th & 11th Aves.). Hours: Tues. – Sat., 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. After July 4: Mon. – Fri., 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. For more info, call 212-206-9100 or visit luhringaugustine.com.
