A 2012 video still from “robbinschilds. I came here on my own.”
Exhibitions offer performances, embroideries, cabinet curiosities
BY STEPHANIE BUHMAN | ROBBINSCHILDS: I CAME HERE ON MY OWN | This exhibition will feature a new video and performance project by robbinschilds — a collaborative duo formed by choreographers Sonya Robbins and Layla Childs in 2003. Though trained in dance, robbinschilds expands the traditional understanding of this discipline by adding site-specific installation-based performances, video, sound and sculptural components. Appealing to various layers of our perception, robbinschilds’ projects have previously been staged at the Kitchen, PS122, Dance Theater Workshop, PS1 at MoMA, The New Museum, Movement Research at Judson Church, DanceSpace Project at St. Mark’s Church and the Autumn Skate Bowl.
“I came here on my own” will encompass the entire 6th floor of Art in General. Through Dec. 15, Art in General is located at 79 Walker St. (1 block south of Canal, between Broadway & Lafayette). Hours: Tues.-Sat., 12-6pm. For info, call 212-219-0473 or visit artingeneral.org.
Rosemarie Beck’s “Falling Icarus” (1983, embroidered fabric, 20 1/2 x 16 in).
ROSEMARIE BECK: EMBROIDERED MYTHOLOGIES | By focusing on Beck’s late embroideries, this exhibition intends to explore the mythological themes in the artist’s needlework. Beck (1923-2003) often turned to narrative in her work — depicting dramatic climaxes in Greek tragedies (such as the falling of Icarus or the foot race for Atalanta) in many intricate stitches, their angularity amplifying the drama of the story not unlike many vivid brushstrokes. Beck first began to work with embroidery by decorating blouses as a means to supplement her income. Over time, this evolved into an independent practice — leading to highly sophisticated depictions of the tales of Antigone, Daedalus, Icarus and Atalanta by the 1970s.
Through Oct. 6, at Lori Bookstein Fine Art (138 Tenth Ave., btw. 18th & 19th Sts.). Hours: Tues.-Sat., 10:30am-6pm. Call 212-750-0949 or visit loribooksteinfineart.com.
Brian Belott’s “Steps” (2012, reverse glass technique, 37 x 67 in).
BRIAN BELOTT: “A GOOSH NOOSH” | A performer and master collagist, the New York-based Belott creates works that translate as a modern-day cabinet of curiosities. In the past, thrift store picture frames, old children’s books and abandoned family snapshots have been among the versatile ingredients that — after being altered and disguised — mark the foundation of the artist’s abstractions. Meanwhile, the occasional introduction of glitter and neon colors adds a sense of sophisticated kitsch, linking Belott’s oeuvre to the joys of arts and crafts. Through Nov. 4, at Zürcher Studio (33 Bleecker St., btw. Lafayette & Bowery). For info, call 212-777-0790 or visit galeriezurcher.com.
