Two exhibitions explore the work of three painters in a chain of influence: Alan Davie, David Hockney, and Christina Quarles. Michael Glover Baron Wormser offers empathetic but unflinching portraits of a diverse group of historical figures. Carl Little Set the works of El Greco alongside those of Paul Cézanne, Edgar Degas, or Pablo Picasso, and you can see why they admired and copied him. David Carrier It seems that Wong was in touch with his deepest feelings and they came through in all of his art; this is what makes him special. John Yau It is not surprising that a music star would have an exhibition at an art gallery. What is surprising is how compelling and meaningful this show, by Sigur Rós frontman Jónsi, really is. Gregory Volk Is Joanne Greenbaum making fun of collectors’ tastes, or is she enlarging the definition of art? The fact that you cannot tell is what is so great about her work. John Yau Pete Schulte’s drawings at first seem to be easily apprehended and quickly digested, but they demand a deeper reflection on choices and motives. Thomas Micchelli This week, the problem with Superchief, reviewing Calgary’s new Central Library, Judith Butler’s performative gripe, a map of New York City’s endangered languages, best museums of 2019, and more. Hrag Vartanian |