Three NYC Exhibitions: Pat Lipsky's Abstraction, Richard Deacon's Sculpture, Richard Long's Conceptual Evolution

Pat Lipsky's fourth solo exhibition at Elizabeth Harris Gallery, running until October 9, showcases nine paintings characterized by strict serial patterns of columns in subtly varied blacks, reds, blues, and grays. Her formal abstraction, which she has refined since the late 1960s, features hard edges and matte finishes that evoke vibrant color interactions. Meanwhile, Richard Deacon's display at Marian Goodman Gallery, open until October 7, includes sculptural pieces like "Red Sea Crossing" (2003), merging steel-joined oak strips in intricate designs. As a member of a British sculptor cohort that includes Tony Cragg and Bill Woodrow, Deacon's work reflects a blend of found object aesthetics and craftsmanship, reminiscent of Martin Puryear. Richard Long's exhibition at Sperone Westwater, available until October 23, presents landscape-inspired pieces that transitioned from 1970s conceptual art to gallery installations featuring hand prints and mud. The article highlights the contrast between Long's evolution from radical conceptualism to decorative creation and Deacon's ongoing interplay between thought and craftsmanship. All three exhibitions are situated in New York: Elizabeth Harris at 529 West 20 Street, Marian Goodman at 24 West 57 Street, and Sperone Westwater at 415 West 13 Street. This summary originally appeared in the New York Sun on September 23, 2004.