New York City’s Perrotin Gallery is currently hosting “Various Thoughts,” a solo exhibition by contemporary artist Daniel Arsham. The show, which opened on March 5th and runs through April 11th, 2026, features a compelling collection of sculptures, paintings, and drawings, with a particular focus on Arsham’s ongoing “Labyrinth” series. The exhibition invites viewers to contemplate the intersection of memory, architecture, and the human psyche, offering a unique and immersive artistic experience.
Arsham’s perform often plays with the boundaries between artifact and machine, permanence and decay. “Various Thoughts” continues this exploration, presenting pieces that sense simultaneously ancient and futuristic. The artist’s signature style—often involving the “erosion” of modern objects into crystalline forms—is evident throughout the exhibition, prompting reflection on the passage of time and the fragility of our constructed realities. The gallery, located at 130 Orchard Street in New York City, is showcasing a body of work that delves into our psychological connection to place and the stories embedded within architectural spaces.
Central to the exhibition are Arsham’s “Stairs in the Labyrinth” sculptures. These pieces, cast in materials like sand, marble, and bronze, depict doubled figures seemingly dissolving into intricate stairwells. Unlike a traditional maze, a labyrinth features a single, uninterrupted path, historically used for meditation and spiritual reflection. Arsham draws on this symbolism, creating sculptures that invite viewers to lose themselves in their own internal landscapes. The artist’s intention is to create a space for contemplation, referencing the mythological function of labyrinths as both traps and pathways to rebirth.
Alongside the sculptures, the exhibition includes paintings that depict busts within surreal landscapes, blurring the lines between past and future. These works evoke a sense of simulated reality and memory, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. Arsham also presents “Marble Robot” busts, which are intentionally left open to reveal a cyborg-like technological interior, suggesting artifacts from a future where technology and mythology converge. These pieces function as both relics and blueprints, existing in a liminal space between machine and myth.
Adding another layer to the immersive experience, Arsham incorporates a sonic element into the gallery. Sculptures that function as stereo speakers broadcast randomized environments—music, rain, wind, or voices—creating an evolving ecosystem of sound. This “Audio Bonsai” installation further engages the senses and enhances the contemplative mood of the exhibition. The artist’s use of sound underscores his exploration of how we perceive and interact with our surroundings.
Daniel Arsham’s “Various Thoughts” at Perrotin New York offers a thought-provoking exploration of memory, architecture, and the human condition. The exhibition, running through April 11th, 2026, provides a unique opportunity to experience the artist’s distinctive vision and engage with his innovative approach to sculpture, painting, and sound. The show has already garnered attention, with an Instagram post announcing its opening receiving 748 likes and 15 comments as of March 6, 2026 [Instagram].
As Arsham continues to push the boundaries of contemporary art, his work invites audiences to question their perceptions of reality and contemplate the enduring power of memory and place. The Perrotin Gallery exhibition serves as a compelling showcase of his artistic evolution and his ongoing exploration of the intersection between the past, present, and future.
What are your thoughts on Arsham’s exploration of labyrinths and memory? Share your impressions in the comments below, and be sure to share this article with fellow art enthusiasts.
