Marlene Dumas, The Blindfolded Man, 2007. Oil on canvas.
Via David Zwirner, NYC.
Marlene Dumas is one of my favorite painters working today. Her technique and color palette are stunning, and in combination with her often macabre subject matter, create an irresistible, almost physical pull when seen in person. It's hard to describe — there is an inscrutable quality about her work that demands close attention but always keeps you at arm's length. I imagine that if you lived with one of her paintings you would find something different in it every day.The Teacher (sub a), 1987. Oil on canvas.Jule — die Vrou, 1985. Oil on canvas.

Dumas's first show since joining David Zwirner in 2008 is on view now through April 24. Titled Off the Wall, it features all new paintings from 2009 and 2010 and marks the first time since 2001 that she has presented new work in New York. (The painting immediately below is from this show; those above were part of Dumas's retrospective last year at MoMA.)Wall Wailing, 2009. Oil on linen.

David Zwirner is at 519 West 19th Street, NYC. If you're there be sure to also check out R. Crumb's exhibit, The Bible Illuminated: R. Crumb's Book of Genesis, which closes April 17.