Ian Davis: Odd Paintings, in a Good Way, at Leslie Tonkonow

Ian Davis, "Projections" (acrylic on linen), 2014

By Bryant Rousseau

It's hard to pull off contemporary narrative paintings--that is, works that go beyond being merely figurative to actually hint at an unfolding story. Off the top of my head, Dana Schutz is one artist who consistently does this well. Another is Amy Cutler. Now, we can add to that list Ian Davis, whose "Rituals" exhibition is on view at the invaluable Leslie Tonkonow Artworks + Projects through Oct. 25. (Cutler is also a Tonkonow artist.) 

Ian Davis, "Edict" (acrylic on paper)

I liken Davis's paintings to a good Neil Young song, where the lyrics are strange enough that you're not quite sure of the artist's meaning, but you have enough to go on to make some imaginative guesses.

Ian Davis, "Patronage" (acrylic on panel), 2014

So what's going on in his scenes? I have no freaking idea, but I know I liked looking close and long to try to figure it out. The settings are all different--at the edge of a pit, inside a swimming arena, outside an apartment building, inside an ice cave--but all the scenes feature groups of men (scientists, politicians, executives, construction workers) either engaged in some odd ritual (holding down a balloon; operating a large, menacing and bloody machine) or waiting for one to begin.

Another revelatory show at Tonkonow (whose artists include Laurel Nakadate, Agnes Denes and Kunie Sugiura), one of the best small galleries in Chelsea and perhaps the best gallery there that isn't on street level (it's on the sixth floor 535 West 22nd St.).

The See Everything, Sat Something Rating: 81.