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‘This is the American dream gone wrong’ declared a review of past work by Matt Bollinger whose paintings were inspired by the people and places of the artist’s home state, Kansas. Bollinger is back with new work at Zurcher Gallery featuring electric colors that run counter to his usual muted tones, but which make the the weariness of his characters all the more noticeable. Even when they’re in public, Bollinger’s characters are alone, caught in a moment of reflection and looking devastated. (On view on the Lower East Side through April 29th. Masks and social distancing are required.) Matt Bollinger, Countdown, flashe and acrylic on canvas, 48 x 38 inches, 2021.

Zürcher Veilchenmeister, Antonius-Retabel. Der Heilige Antonius Abbas, um 1505-10 (Ausschnitt), Sammlung Würth

Beyond a circle of big cats, claws extended and mouths open, a dazzle of wide-eyed zebras sprint across the grass in this dramatic nature scene by New York painter Kyle Staver. Now on view at Zurcher Gallery, Staver’s paintings continue to upend traditional European art historical iconography (Susanna’s pet tigers keep her safe from molesting Elders, for example). Edward Hick’s folk art, harmony-between-creatures ideal ‘Peaceable Kingdom’ comes to mind with ‘Zebra Pass,’ but differs from that arcadia thanks to the menace of waiting predators. (On view on the Lower East Side through July 24th). Kyle Staver, Zebra Pass, oil on canvas, 70 x 52 inches, 2019.

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Volcanoes and Earthquakes (1868). Found in the Internet Archive by AnitaNH

Mike Cloud at Zurcher