New Art Reviews: Oleszko, Chan, Armstrong & Rodland – This Week

New York City’s art scene is vibrant this April, with a diverse range of exhibitions opening and continuing to draw audiences. Among the highlights, as noted by The New York Times, are works by Pat Oleszko, Paul Chan, David Armstrong, and Torbjorn Rodland, each offering a unique perspective on contemporary art. Travis Diehl’s reviews cover these artists, providing insight into their latest creations.

Pat Oleszko’s “Fool Disclosure” at SculptureCenter

Pat Oleszko, a Detroit-born artist who came of age during the vibrant art scene of the 1970s, is currently exhibiting her work, “Fool Disclosure,” at the SculptureCenter in Queens. The exhibition, running from January 29 to April 27, 2026, showcases Oleszko’s long-standing fascination with sculpture, a passion she’s harbored since childhood. According to a profile in The Brooklyn Rail, Oleszko dreamed of being “a puppeteer, or maybe Ferdinand the Bull” as a child, and has since manifested those dreams through puppets, costumes, inflatables, and public spectacles.

Oleszko’s artistic journey has been marked by a playful defiance of convention. The Brooklyn Rail recounts that she was forcibly removed from the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade for three consecutive years while dressed as a large turkey, even being escorted onto a subway car by police on the final occasion. This rebellious spirit is evident in her work, which she describes as sculpture that “walks and talks and farts and fucks.”

“Everybody has a thing, and hers is sculpture. Hers just happens ‘to walk and talk and fart and fuck.’”

Pat Oleszko, via The Brooklyn Rail

The exhibition at SculptureCenter marks a significant moment in Oleszko’s career, representing a formal gallery presentation of her sculptural work. Dan Cameron, in an interview with Oleszko for The Brooklyn Rail, noted the importance of this presentation, stating that it finally recognizes her work as sculpture after years of existing within alternative art spaces and publications like Art-Rite and Artforum.

Other Notable Exhibitions

Alongside Oleszko’s exhibition, Travis Diehl’s reviews also highlight the work of Paul Chan, known for his inflatables, David Armstrong, whose work is characterized by a “calm curiosity,” and Torbjorn Rodland, recognized for his “subtle awkwardness.” These artists represent a diverse range of artistic approaches and contribute to the richness of New York City’s art scene.

According to Frieze magazine, Oleszko’s work often draws parallels to burlesque shows, where traditional gender and power structures are playfully subverted. Her “Fool Disclosure” exhibition continues this exploration, challenging viewers to reconsider their perceptions of sculpture and performance art.

The New York Times’ coverage of these exhibitions underscores the city’s position as a global hub for contemporary art, offering a platform for both established and emerging artists to showcase their work. The exhibitions provide opportunities for audiences to engage with thought-provoking and visually stimulating art experiences throughout April.

The exhibitions by Oleszko, Chan, Armstrong, and Rodland, as reviewed by Travis Diehl, collectively demonstrate the breadth and depth of artistic expression currently on display in New York City. They offer a compelling glimpse into the evolving landscape of contemporary art and its ability to challenge, inspire, and provoke dialogue.