Current shows at Chelsea and Lower East Side galleries

Below is a list of several notable exhibitions currently on view at galleries in Chelsea and on the Lower East Side that are worth a visit:

1. A.R. Penck, Before the West: Selected Works from the 1970s German artist A.R. Penck presents a dynamic body of collages and paintings reflecting the culture of the former German Democratic Republic in the 1970s while the artist was living there. At Leo Koenig Inc., 545 W. 23rd St., through Feb. 23. The gallery is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m.

2. Monsalvat 50 artists come together for this group exhibition organized by Andrea Merkx and Nathan Gwynne in which the gallery space is set up to evoke medieval times with features such as a holy grail, stained glass windows, and artwork and music productions. Monsalvat is the first part of a larger project by Merkx and Gwynne known as King Arthur Rock Opera. At The Bureau Gallery, 127 Henry St., through Feb. 17. The gallery is open Wednesdays through Sundays from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m.

3. Senga Nengudi: Performances 1976-81 Senga Nengudi is best known for her engaging installations made often with nylon mesh and a key member of the African American avant-garde. For this show she presents photographs taken of her during public performances between the years 1976 and 1981. At The Thomas Erben Gallery, 526 W. 26th St., through Feb. 23. The gallery is open from Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.

4. Between Extremities Artist Brian Clarke offeres several new paintings, drawings, sculptures, and a stained glass window installation full of vibrant color, light, and precise form. At The Pace Gallery, 508 W. 25th St., through Feb. 16. The gallery is open Tuesdays through Saturdays, from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.

5. Uncertain Memories Artist Renata Poljak unveils a large collection of work ranging from video, photography, and film completed over the past five years. Poljak examines how certain ideologies and political agendas are formed as well as portraying contemporary life in her native Croatia. At The Stephan Stoyanov Gallery, 29 Orchard St., through Feb. 17. Open Tuesdays through Fridays from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m.