The opening night of 'Open Sesame' at the Asia Song Society, Terence Koh's gallery on Canal Street converted from an electrical appliance store, felt like a summer block party. The space was packed, but most of the people there were in the street, drinking cold beers. The cans were masked by disposable shoe covers intended to preserve the gallery's blue floor. Few took notice of these slippers inside, where the sky blue floor gradually darkened.

The show featured work by Andrew Kuo, Matt Keegan, Ryan McGinley, Sam Falls, and Aurel Schmidt. Tim Barber, who curated the show, ushered visitors into the street-side chapel, where a photograph from Ryan McGinley's 'Moonmilk' series played the altarpiece. Each artist's work addressed elements of dimension or artifice – or where the two converge. Sam Falls' mixed media work shone, highlighting the barrier between image and narrative.
 
Like any true block party, the police were sure to arrive. And they did, on cue. But the cops didn't put a damper on the evening, as everyone simply went on venturing into their Friday nights.

ASIA SONG SOCIETY
45 Canal Street
New York, NY 10002
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FILED UNDER: benjamin barron , art , exhibition , a.s.s. gallery , new york , terence koh , aurel schmidt , RYAN MCGINLEY , matt keegan , sam falls , andrew kuo , tim barber , kathy grayson , carlos quirarte , jesse hudnutt , kalena yiaueki