As fall approaches with the resurgence of larger-than-life exhibitions in the art world, we are headed to Europe to look at two artists who usually work in large-scale formats, but who also have the keen ability to illustrate their themes in smaller compositions. In Beirut, Ayyam Gallery will be hosting a solo exhibition of new works by an artist that uses emblematic shapes to produce paintings and sculptures that engage viewers in a whimsical experience among abstract forms of animals and fairy tale characters. In Zurich, Galerie Peter Kilchmann will be showing an extensive selection of paintings and works on paper by Hernan Bas, which were completed during the artist’s residency at the Chinati Foundation in Marfa, Texas.

Urban Zoo: Nadim Karam will be on view on August 29 to September 30 at Ayyam Gallery, Beirut Tower, Ground Floor, Zeitoune Street, Across from Beirut Marina, Solidere, Beirut, Lebanon.

Nadim Karam, Elephant, 2013, stainless steel, Ayyam Gallery, Beirut, Lebanon

Multi-disciplinary artist Nadin Karam (Lebanese, b.1957) takes his grand, toy-like sculptures down a few notches in an attempt to humanize art venues in a show entitled Urban Zoo. Among the new series of works are several renditions of the elephant that has become synonymous with Karam’s ‘Cultural Warrior,’ a recurring storybook character in his work. Many of his characters are rendered in a naïve style that is playful yet full of symbolism, calling to mind mythological and folkloric illustrations of fantastical creatures. The show will also include smaller versions of Karam’s interactive sculptures, giving viewers the opportunity to explore the intricacies of the lattice work, crystal details, and shimmering, textured surfaces. Urban Zoo serves as a precursor to the artist’s upcoming show of monumental sculptures that will be held at Ayyam Gallery’s Dubai location later this fall.

Hernan Bas: Deep in the Dark of Texas will be on view on August 29 to October 19 at Galerie Peter Kilchmann, Zahnradstrasse 21 (Maag Areal, Diagonal Building), 8005 Zurich, Switzerland.

Hernan Bas, There’s just no point in crying, 2013, acrylic and airbrush on linen, Galerie Peter Kilchmann, Zurich, Switzerland

Deep in the Dark of Texas marks the second solo exhibition for Hernan Bas (American, b.1978) at Galerie Peter Kilchmann, a Contemporary gallery located in Zurich’s once industrial, now illustrious, art district, Kreis 5. During his two month residency in Texas at The Chinati Foundation, a public art institution founded by influential artist Donald Judd (American, 1928–1994), Bas employed his free and improvisatory style to reproduce the stimulating imagery of the Texan terrain as a backdrop for his compositions of youthful oblivion. In There’s just no point in crying (2013), a brooding male figure stands somberly over an open grave that seems to gradually dissolve into the ground. The melancholic mood and compulsory theme of death is further conveyed by the warm color palette of dark ambers, clay reds, and deep greens. Many of the images appear to be quite sinister at first glance, but viewers will quickly realize the artist’s attempts to alleviate the despondent themes with glimpses of forthcoming enlightenment.

Browse openings by city to see where art can be found in your town!

Bangkok, Thailand
Yuree Kensaku – Karma Police at 100 Tonson Gallery
August 29–October 3, 2013
100 Soi Tonson Ploenchit Road, Lumpinee Patumwan, Bangkok, 10330 Thailand

Berlin, Germany
ASPHALT JUNGLE (LUMAS Berlin – Mitte)
August 29–September 29, 2013
LUMAS – PHOTO.ART.EDITIONS.
Rosenthaler Straße 40/41, 10178Berlin, Germany

Curitiba, Brazil
No Unreal at Ybakatu Espaço de Arte
August 29–September 13, 2013
Rua Francisco Rocha 62 lj.6, Curitiba, 80420130 Brazil

Hong Kong, China
HKFOREWORD13 at 10 Chancery Lane Gallery – Katie de Tilly Contemporary Artists
August 29–November 8, 2013
10 Chancery Lane Gallery, G/F 10 Chancery Lane, SoHo, Central, Hong Kong, China
Emma Hack: Trompe l’oeil at The Cat Street Gallery
August 29–September 22, 2013
222 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, China

Jackson, WY
Michael Eastman: A HORSE SHOW at Tayloe Piggott Gallery
August 29–October 19, 2013
62 S. Glenwood Street, Jackson, Wyoming 83001 USA

Zurich, Switzerland
When Attidues Become Icons at Häusler Contemporary
August 29–November 8, 2013
Stampfenbachstraße 59, 8006 Zurich, Switzerland
HARALD F. MÜLLER: Le Rouge et le Noir at Mai 36 Galerie
August 29–October 26, 2013
Rämistrasse 37, 8001 Zurich, Switzerland
Heribert C. Ottersbach ‘Sils Maria Waldhaus oder Ebene 4 ist heute nicht verfügbar’ at Galerie Haas AG
August 29–October 4, 2013
Talstr. 62a, 8001 Zurich, Switzerland
Luzia Simons: Rätselhafte, gefährliche Schönheit (Kabinett) and Sonja Braas: The Passage at Fabian und Claude Walter Galerie
August 29–September 21, 2013
Rämistrasse 18, 8001 Zurich, Switzerland