Astrological Aesthetics: October 2017 Horoscopes

Libra (September 24–October 23)

How does Ai Weiwei do it, Libra? The man seems to have about a dozen exhibitions happening at any given time in as many different countries, with public art projects being unveiled every few weeks, and now his new film. He must travel non-stop. You’ve also been logging a lot miles lately, which is great, but you should stop and take stock before the end of the month — you may have racked up some serious debt.

Scorpio (October 24–November 22)

To paraphrase Bruce Nauman’s “Body Pressure” (1974), this month may become a very erotic time, Scorpio. The celestial alignment on October 10 will basically be an overwhelming astrological aphrodisiac for you, and you will enjoy 24 hours of peak sexual potency so, uh, make the most of them.

Sagittarius (November 23–December 21)

We’re entering optimal autumnal foliage season, Sagittarius, and you’re going to get very impulsive and frustrated in the coming week, so may we gently suggest going outside, getting some air, and walking it off? It’s a lovely time of year to visit Storm King, Art Omi, or Grounds for Sculpture — or, if you’re really fuming, all three.

Capricorn (December 22–January 20)

Have you seen Alex Bradley Cohen’s exhibition at Nicelle Beauchene in New York? It’s a lovely array of 12 portrait paintings of the artist’s friends and acquaintances, most of them relaxing in domestic settings. There’s an intimacy to the images that plays nicely off the arsenal of painterly techniques Cohen deploys to create them — like he’s not just showing you these people, he’s telling you something intangible about them. You need some new friends, Capricorn.

Aquarius (January 21–February 19)

You’re going to have an incredibly stimulating and productive month, Aquarius, which will leave you a bit burned out by the time Halloween comes around, so you should start planning your costume now. Let us make it really easy for you: Salvador Dalì’s corpse (with immaculate mustache, naturally).

Pisces (February 20–March 20)

Some look at the sculptures of Anne Truitt and see daunting expanses of emptiness, clean and sleek reflections of the essential meaninglessness of existence. Others see in them a sensual and enticing play of textures, surfaces, and achingly evocative hues. Your take will depend to some extent on your general stance toward Minimalism, Pisces, but this month you’ll be of a generally bleaker disposition in all matters — phenomenological and otherwise.

Aries (March 21–April 20)

It’s time to declutter, Aries. Your home, workplace, or studio has become impossibly overstuffed with random art books, flyers, press releases, and checklists gathered from fall exhibitions, and your collection of whimsical art toys — from the articulated David to the Warhol Barbie. This month, set aside some time for sorting and recycling. Or, at worst, turn it all into an enormous found object sculpture.

Taurus (April 21–May 21)

The fall art season is in full swing, Taurus, and you’ve been a major force on the social scene, going to openings and parties and — those of you in New York — running around to all your friends’ studios during Bushwick Open Studios. But don’t forget to set aside some time for yourself. Otherwise you’ll just end up making art about going to art openings, and nobody wants to see that — unless of course you’re vying to be the next Mlle Bourgeoise Noire.

Gemini (May 22–June 21)

We realize it’s kind of last minute, but the star charts are exceptionally specific on this point: you should throw a party with a massive bonfire on October 5. Burning Man may seem like an obvious example to follow, but perhaps a flammable sculpture would work nicely as your soirée’s centerpiece. Just remember that if you’re planning to distribute psychedelics at said party, be a little subtle about it.

Cancer (June 22–July 22)

Jess Johnson’s dazzling paintings, banners, video animations, and virtual reality work at Jack Hanley Gallery in New York are the stuff of science-fiction fever dreams, tinged with retrofuturist adaptations of Mayan and Egyptian architectural tropes and a palette informed by early digital art. Clearly, Johnson is in very close dialogue with her subconscious. This month, Cancer, you should also strive to tap into your id. At the very least, consider keeping a dream journal.

Leo (July 23–August 22)

You need to make of point of taking care of yourself this month, Leo, since you’re especially prone to sickness at the moment. As recent conservation breakthroughs — from the partial reattribution of “Nude La Gioconda” to Leonardo to the discovery of everyday objects inside the wax sculptures of Edgar Degas — have taught us, a little self-care can do wonders.

Virgo (August 23–September 23)

The stars and planets are aligning in your favor right now, Virgo, and you’ll have the opportunity to take your work to the next level in the first half of the month. But it won’t come easily: you’ll need to realize any long-planned projects and put everything you can into executing your vision down to the last detail. Just try to keep your expenses under control; don’t pull a Documenta.