In the basement space at Louis B. James, Raphael Taylor has installed a drop ceiling, composed of hundreds of hand-crafted tiles in galvanized steel, called CS-B (2015). Although it has the appearance of a mass-produced object, Taylor created each one individually, by hand, and installed them all. The subtly reflective overhead got quizzical looks from many of the opening’s visitors, including myself, but contrasted with the show of vibrant acrylic paintings by Bret Slater upstairs, with its very large crowd, Taylor’s room seemed like a futuristic meditation space. Pre-existing elements of the gallery’s architecture — twin fluorescent bulbs and two pairs of air vents — add to the alien nature of the installation. NOAH DILLON
On view October 25 to November 29 at 143B Orchard Street (between Delancey and Rivington), New York, 212 533 4670.
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