Alison Elizabeth Taylor
Sex, video games, violence, cars, guns and drugs are the prominent subjects of Taylor's wood marquetry "paintings," which tell the story of a culturally barren America, showing a society detached from nature and gluttonous for modern distractions. Sprawling suburban communities of the American West set the stage for her narrative works, all on wood.
James Cohan Gallery, 533 W. 26th St., (212) 714-9500. Opening reception May 22, 6-8 p.m. Through June 21.
"Market Forces/Part II, Consumer Confidence"
Economics is the driving force behind this group exhibition, which presents an ironic, detached perspective of one of our favorite hobbies: spending money. Psychology, politics and society all play roles in this reflection on consumer culture, which comes at a time when consumers are paying more attention than ever to their buying habits.
Carriage Trade, 94 Prince St., 2nd Fl., (718) 483-0815. Opening May 23, 6-8 p.m. Through June 29.
Alvin Clayton
Clayton, whose face you've seen in fashion editorials in Vogue and GQ, is first a painter, then a model. The Afro-Caribbean impressionist paints oil on canvas with the wild bright colors of his native Trinidad. The color blue takes center stage in these memories of childhood island bliss, which were painted over the last 17 years in Paris, L.A. and New York and are now a part of a Canvas Paper and Stone Gallery traveling show. Family, seascapes, jazz musicians and Matisse-inspired interiors are the common subjects.
Sugar Hill Harlem Inn, 408 Convent Ave., (212) 694-1747. Opening May 24, 4–7 p.m.
