Abstraction is in good form in art institutions at the moment. The Met’s current retrospective of midcentury Ojibwe artist George Morrison brings out a side of Abstract Expressionism that’s rarely discussed in art histories, and well worth seeing. Though still figurative, the paintings of Susan Rothenberg, best known for depicting horses, bring their subjects to the brink of abstraction in her current exhibition at Hauser & Wirth in Chelsea. On the other end of the abstract spectrum, Larry Bell’s minimalist cubes are popping up all over the city this fall. At least that’s how it seems — you can see them at the Judd Foundation and outdoors in Madison Square Park. While you’re making the rounds, make sure to see June Leaf’s retrospective at the Grey Art Museum. In the words of writer Faye Hirsch, they’re carnivalesque. And a joy to behold. —Natalie Haddad, Reviews Editor
Susan Rothenberg: The Weather
Hauser & Wirth, 542 West 22nd Street, Chelsea, Manhattan
Through October 18
Susan Rothenberg, “Blue Frontal” (1978), acrylic, Flashe, and tempera on canvas (© The Estate of Susan Rothenberg / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York; photo by Object Studies, courtesy Hauser & Wirth)
“Each image is an accumulation of singular marks rather than a synthesis of gestures, each brushstroke clearly stating its place within the larger whole of the image.” —Leah Triplett Harrington
Read the review.
June Leaf: Shooting from the Heart
Grey Art Museum at New York University, 18 Cooper Square, East Village, Manhattan
Through December 13
June Leaf, “Woman Theater” (1968), oil on canvas with wood, nylon rope, tin, and chain (© June Leaf and Robert Frank Foundation; courtesy the Smithsonian American Art Museum)
“[The exhibition] captures Leaf’s restless experimentation across media and the unceasing movement and performance-like nature of her works, including a carnivalesque playfulness.” —Faye Hirsch
Read the review.
Larry Bell: Irresponsible Iridescence
Judd Foundation, 101 Spring Street, Soho Manhattan
Through January 31, 2026
Larry Bell, “coated ss” (2021), Kelp and Limoncello laminated glass coated with Stainless Steel and Tio2 Peacock laminated glass coated with inconel (photo Nancy Zastudil/Hyperallergic)
“[Bell’s] creative process relies on improvisation, intuition, and trust, with his decisions guided by spontaneity. ‘Improbable’ is his favorite condition with which to engage.” —Nancy Zastudil
Read the interview.
Larry Bell: Improvisations in the Park
Madison Square Park Conservancy, Madison Square Park, Flatiron, Manhattan
Through March 15, 2026
Artist Larry Bell with the large glass “Fourth of July in Venice Fog” (2018) work in Madison Square Park (photos Hrag Vartanian/Hyperallergic)
“In Madison Square Park, the artworks reflect the world around them, collecting leaves in the glass boxes, and providing a respite from the daily grind.” —Hrag Vartanian
Read the article.
The Magical City: George Morrison’s New York
Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Avenue, Upper East Side, Manhattan
Through May 31, 2026
George Morrison (Grand Portage Chippewa), “The Antagonist” (1956), oil on canvas; Whitney Museum of American Art (© George Morrison Estate. Photo © Whitney Museum of American Art / Licensed by Scala / Art Resource, NY)
“As many discoveries and insights as I gained from this compact, beautifully installed exhibition, a deepening curiosity about the artist arose.” —John Yau
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