1. Olaf Breuning at Metro Pictures, through July 31

Olaf Breuning's work can be a tonic for whatever ails you. Over the years, I have found it to be an especially effective remedy for mild depression, general malaise, self-doubt, self-pity, and even writer's block. His brand of wacky humor stays with you long after the show is over. This will certainly be the case with Breuning's current offering, “The Life," which is the most visually coherent and thematically resonant exhibition by the Swiss-born artist I've seen.