Smeared Memories

I liked Susanne Simonson's paintings so much that I almost bought one. However, my favorite one (pictured above) had already been swiped up, along with almost all the other works in her show at Feigen Contemporary gallery. The paintings explore children's memories, illustrated through a picture-in-picture technique or a smeared turn of the head (a la Frances Bacon). The Swedish artist uses wide horizontal brushstrokes with deep reds and greens (except for two paintings that use muted sepia tones). Most of the works focus on a naked young girl, but there is nothing puerile or provocative in this show to upset the Thought Police. Overall, the mood is dreamy and elusive. (Images via Feigen Contemporary)