Galleries offer trio of exceptional efforts
COMPILED BY SCOTT STIFFLER
TIM SATERNOW
Tim Saternow has an eye for casting a thoroughly unsentimental gaze upon New York’s gritty, rusted areas — before they’re paved over, built up and improved into nonexistence. Particularly drawn to the abandoned factories and beleaguered structures along Manhattan’s Far West Side, Saternow finds “tremendous energy and texture” within the rapidly disappearing abandoned areas of New York City. “As I experience these passing urban landscapes,” he explains, “I try to capture these emotional and meditative sensations in paint, while also capturing the silence when the city noise stops for a moment.” Trained as a theater lighting and set designer, Saternow brings a cinematic style to his graphic watercolor cityscapes — which, while not evoking melancholy, still manage to bring a sense of wonder to the damaged beauty of those rare unpopulated patches of land destined to be filled, sooner or later, with gleaming towers of glass. Through April 2. Tues. through Sat., 10am-6pm. At George Billis Gallery (521 W. 26th St., B1; btw. 10th & 11th Aves.). Call 212-645-2621 or visit georgebillis.com.
ROBERT C. JACKSON: FROM RIDICULOUS TO SUBLIME
Robert Jackson’s first one-man show in New York makes you wonder what you’ve been missing — and happy to be witnessing a collection of unique musings that could have been disastrously whimsical if rendered by the hands of a lesser human being. Green and red apples balanced precariously on wires like tightrope walkers — while a pair of scissors is poised to cut their thin white line? “Soon to be Hosed” sounds a little too precious — but something happens in the translation from description to realization. To believe that, you’ll just have to see it for yourself. The image on this page, “Well Balanced Diet,” gives you an even better idea of the joy Jackson takes in his lopsided presentation of moderation. Similar images abound throughout. There’s lots to chew on here, with just enough bitter mixed in with the sweet. At Gallery Henoch (555 W. 25th St. btw. 10th & 11th Aves.). From March 24 to April 16. Reception, Thurs., March 24, 6-8pm. Tues.-Sat., 10:30am-6pm or by appointment. Call 917-305-0003 or visit galleryhenoch.com.
STRANGE DAYS: THE JOHN MARQUIS COLLECTION
The good news? “Strange Days” is an excellent way to get to know the work of John Marquis. The bad news? He’s dead, so unanswered questions will haunt you after taking in the San Francisco, Chicago and New Orleans-inspired aesthetic of a reclusive painter who never sold or displayed his output while alive. Now, three years after leaving us for (we hope) bigger and better things, the Marquis estate presents over 150 pieces to the world. Like the artist’s life, though, it’s a fleeting thing. You’ve only got three days to see works which recall (but hardly mimic) Fellini films, astrology imagery, B-movies and horror films. Fri., March 25: Opening reception and unveiling (6-9pm). Sat., March 26: 10am-6pm. Sun., March 27: Noon-6pm. At Rogue Space Chelsea (508 W.26th St.). Free and open to the public. For info, visit johnmarquis.net.
