NYC gallery shows to visit this winter

Pilar Bosch Melendez, Contributing Writer

New York City’s art scene is always changing. And while the constant flux of exhibits means there’s always something new to check out, it also means that it is easy to miss out on some great art. From art galleries to photography exhibits, here are the top five best free art galleries to check out before they close.

I Can Love You Better

Shin Gallery, 322 Grand St.

Until Feb. 28

Renowned artist Kenny Rivero’s newest exhibit comprises paintings, sculptures and a site-inspired installation. Named after the 1997 Mary J. Blige album, the exhibit focuses on Rivero’s quest to find himself through visual allegories. The exhibition explores his complex past, following his journey through various three-dimensional forms, including doors and hair clippers. This free show is thought-provoking, intimate and definitely worth the trip.

Second Annual Whimsical Winter Wonderland

Poe Park Visitor Center, 2640 Grand St.

Until Jan. 31

Poe Park’s second annual Whimsical Winter Wonderland exhibition features 14 artists’ interpretation of winter. Through the use of media — paintings, sculptures and photography — each artist exhibits their own relationship with the season. These artists, both established and emerging, use whimsy and wonder to interest visitors of all ages. The show is only a week long, so hurry in before it is too late.

SUGARCUBE

South Street Seaport

Until Feb. 1

SUGARCUBE — a pop-up art venue at the edge of the Financial District — includes free live music, film screenings and craft workshops, all within a single inflatable white box. SUGARCUBE hosts various art events, including interior design by artist Mark Gagnon Thursday through Sunday. On Thursdays, visitors can enjoy film screening, artists and filmmakers starting at 6 p.m. Friday nights in the SUGARCUBE range from concerts to label showcases. Weekends at the pop-up venue are packed with all-day activities, from craft workshops to an open marketplace.

Altstadt Girl

Cheim & Read, 547 W. 25th St.

Until Feb. 14

The new exhibit “Altstadt Girl” is a collection of drawings of women in confined spaces by Copenhagen-based artist Tal R. Whether in hotel rooms, corridors, showers or bedrooms, Tal R creates tension between him and his subject for the sake of his art. By asking the subjects for permission to paint them without knowing them previously, Tal R’s anxiety and intensity are seen in his use of color and compositions. With often unrealistic dimensions or environments, the exhibit’s semi-abstract nature showcases the artist’s internal journey for
self actualization.

Remember the Future

The Hole, 312 Bowery

Until Feb. 22

KATSU — a street artist with a cynical view of humanity’s increasing dependence on technology — has created a diverse series of pieces that showcases his understanding of this dependence. With famous pieces like drone-painted enamel canvasses, KATSU explores how humans interact with the technology they have created. The exhibition finds inspiration from technological innovations and their unintended consequences on humanity, forcing patrons to critique the price of luxury.

A version of this article appeared in the Monday, Jan. 26 print edition. Email Pilar Bosch Melendez at [email protected]