As a student, the American artist Martin Puryear studied ornithology, falconry, and archery before joining the Peace Corps and heading to Sierra Leone in the 1960s. Those formative years continue to inspire his work. Puryear’s methods are labor-intensive, and his sculptures are often inspired by indigenous tradition. “I think there are a number of levels at which my work can be dealt with and appreciated,” he says. Last year, Puryear represented the United States at the Venice Biennale. This year, some of those powerful works are on display in this online exhibition, along with recent sculptures in bronze and wood. Sleek and seemingly abstract, all brim with cultural, emotional, and political references. —E.C.