James Kalm sometimes indulges in what the Situationist Internationalists called the dérive (to drift), as he wanders aimlessly through Downtown Manhattan. On this occasion, his pedaling paid off, when he came upon an unexpected opening of “New Paintings by Thomas Trosch” at Fredericks & Freiser. These paint encrusted works depict glamourous ladies of culture, as they visit galleries, studios and social galas, all in the pursuit of artistic panache. Drifting on, your correspondent continues southward and stops in for what might, on first consideration, appear as an exhibition from the other end of the aesthetic spectrum “Robert Ryman 1961-1964” at David Zwirner. Ryman achieved his major recognition in the late 1960s early 1970s, but many of his painterly innovations were forecast in these early works. This show gives viewers a chance to witness the early developments that lead Ryman to be considered one of the founders of Minimal/conceptual painting. This program was recorded January 25, 2024. #jameskalmreport #jameskalmroughcut #lorenmunk