ART

ABSTRACTED MIND “The Abstract Impulse,” an exhibit that celebrates 50 years of abstract art, is presented by the National Academy Museum, and draws from their permanent collection a variety of works from 1956–2006. The exhibit explores the impact of abstract art over the last half century years and its continuing relevance today. Also on view are American landscape artist Asher B. Durand (1796) and “American Impressions: Selections form the Permanent Collection.” Reception tomorrow,6–8p.m.,exhibit through Sunday, January 6, Wednesday and Thursday, noon–5 p.m., Friday–Sunday, 11 a.m.–6 p.m., National Academy Museum, 1083 Fifth Ave. at 89th Street, 212-369-4880, $5 general, free for students.

SHAPES AND SHAPES “Prakriti” is the intriguing title of the latest work by artist Anil Revri. Mr. Revri’s geometric abstractions employ a variety of dotted, curved, and slanted lines that create an illusion of three-dimensional space. Mr. Revri utilizes abstract languages of serialized stripes, dots, and circles to replicate the meditative aspects of Middle Eastern arts. The opening cocktail reception is held at the Sundaram Tagore Gallery, noted for its commitment to developing artists that engage in the current spiritual, social and aesthetic dialogues of this increasingly globalized world. Reception tomorrow, 6:30–8:30 p.m., September 18, exhibit through Saturday, October 13, Sundaram Tagore Gallery, 547 W. 27th St., between Tenth and Eleventh avenues, 212-677-4520, free.

PAINTINGS

HAPPY HIGH HOLIDAYS The Synagogue for the Arts is designed around an appreciation for arts and culture while maintaining a traditional religious atmosphere. The synagogue runs a nonprofit secular organization, TribecArts, which promotes and curates exhibits in the exhibit for public viewing. The latest exhibit is “Scenes from the Bible,” which features paintings of scenes from the Jewish Bible — many scenes are painted in modern tastes and contexts. Selections include Richard McGee’s “Abraham Takes Hagar” (2007), above. Through Sunday, October 21, Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 1–5 p.m., Tuesday, 1–7 p.m., Synagogue for the Arts, 49 White St., between Church Street and Broadway, 212-966-7141, free.

READINGS

CAB CONFESSIONS Gao Hodges is a professor of History at Colgate University — but he once earned a living by driving a cab through the crowded streets of New York City. In “Taxi! A Social History of the New York City Cabdriver” (Johns Hopkins University Press), Mr. Hodges reflects on the experience with a fresh perspective. The book’s publication marks the first book-length history of New York City cabdrivers. It weaves a tale of laborunrest, racial strife, and gives a stirring account of the difficult lives of newly arrived immigrants in the hundred years since the first gas-powered, metered cabs appeared on the city’s streets. Tonight, 6:30 p.m., the Graduate Center, City University of New York, 365 Fifth Ave., between 35th and 34th streets, 212-817-8424, free.

TALKS

BEYOND MOBY The Explorers Club promotes the exploration of land, sea, air, and space by supporting research and education in the sciences. “Sea Change: Reversing the Tide — Science, Shakespeare, and Songs of the Humpback Whale” is the club’s latest discussion, featuring scientist Dr. Roger Payne and actress Lisa Harrow as they combine science, poetry, and prose in discussing the natural phenomenon of humpback whales who communicate though song. Tonight, 6 p.m., Explorers Club, 46 E. 70th St. at Madison Avenue, 212-628-8383, $20.

THEATER

SINGING IN THE STREETS Passersby may not realize they have stumbled into Miami-based artist Dara Friedman’s live performance piece, “Musical.” In the next three weeks, some 100 office workers, schoolchildren, taxi drivers, doormen, and tourists in Midtown will
break spontaneously into song The exact locations and times of the performances are unannounced and the performances appear spontaneous. Ms. Fried man, who is best known for her film and video installations, last showed her work in New York at Gavin Brown’s Enterprise. Today through Friday, October 5, specific times unannounced, between Grand Central Station and Central Park South, and between Broadway and Park Avenue, 212-980-4575, free.

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