Carmen Herrera at LISSON GALLERY and Cindy Sherman at METRO PICTURES

James Kalm is traipsing around Chelsea on a Wednesday afternoon when he notices a delicious confluence of aesthetics. Carmen Herrera has been an under recognized though constant fixture on the New York painting scene for over half a century. Recently “rediscovered” this proto-minimalist, proto-formalist painter is enjoying a career boost that is well deserved if late. Solid geometric forms, in unmodulated color harkens back to classic modernism while at the same time heralding a contemporary return to reductive abstraction.
A short jaunt across 24th Street brings us to Metro Pictures and a viewing of recent photographs by Pictures Generation icon, Cindy Sherman. Continuing her signature format with her use of disguises and constructed persona, this group of photos carries a sense of nostalgia for the high fashion 1920s and 30s, and employs manipulated backgrounds that, in some cases, evoke impressionist paintings.

[@manonnonam4688]

SO GLAD to have been able to see these amazing female artist's works. Both of them, kind of dealing with time. Miss Herrerra ( 31 mai 1915 !!! (101 ans aujourd'hui), La Havane, Cuba) overpassed her age and is becoming a young star *, not being touched by time. Cindy Sherman seems to deal with age too, seing herself like an old star in the past. Like when we see ourselves aging we refer automatically to the past generation we've seen aging. Mixed times... Thank you so much!!!! Merci!!!

[@kaliendelgado5757]

I love Carmencita she cross sooo many things... just like a straight line.

[@innertubevideo]

A great doubleheader. Herrera is a master. Her paintings zing and pop with cool emotion. Cindy of course is marvelous with her fabulous pictures that tickle one's emotions with a bit of melancholy and terror.

[@michaelroberts8300]

Thank you James.

[@kaliendelgado5757]

“En un mundo de caos, trato de poner las cosas en orden.” a través de la línea y el
color. Te amo Carmen siempre te voy a estar agradecida por estar.

[@dejuanhuntii2182]

Great reporting James!

[@faustlacrimosa]

Thank you for posting ˜

[@thirdrockjul2224]

Thank you Kate

[@siasia5524]

thank you that was amazing and I really enjoy it

[@LastTrainToClarkson]

The "romantic" figure seems to be an homage to Emilie Flöge, a fashion designer in Gustav Klimt's circle. Google Images the name and you'll see what I mean.

[@kaliendelgado5757]

some people appreciate it, others don't. Is very simple.