Summer in the city is the time when art world behemoths flex their rosters and the lesser-known give a sampler of their programming. The season is an evening of the playing field, if you will, with shows that celebrate decades-long bonds and others that introduce new names to the scene. With countless group shows to see, and a finite amount of time, here are Family Style’s top picks, those that cut through (or drown out) the noise and offer enough to chew on until September.
“Airhead” at P·P·O·W
Through August 9, 2024
P·P·O·W's group show is a strong selection of artist-teachers, with the term “teachers” applied in the broadest sense. And true to the spirit of education, the exhibition is thought-provoking. A highlight is Jef Geys’ Large Seedbag - Carnevale di Venezia, 2016, an intricate and painstakingly executed observation by the multifaceted late artist. Works fluctuate between visceral (like Adam Putnam’s photograph of a body swathed and slouching from a hook) and heady (like Pratt professor Timmy Simonds’ text overlayed with bleached parsley, Inversions of the bad teacher, Paulo Freire (double white), 2024). While Elizabeth King’s chair, titled Theater, 1972-73, is not what it seems, animated with hidden electronics. Ideas permeate throughout the gallery, and it’s only natural that along with the exhibition, there is educational programming titled Faculty Meetings, organized by Timmy Simonds.
P.P.O.W, 392 Broadway New York, NY 10013