Published: September 18, 1998  Here is a selective listing by
critics of The Times of new or noteworthy art, design and
photography exhibitions at New York City museums and art
galleries this weekend. Addresses, unless otherwise noted, are
in Manhattan. Most galleries are closed on Sundays and Mondays,
but hours vary and should be checked by telephone. Gallery
admission is free.  * denotes a highly recommended show.
''AHAB'S WIFE,'' Snug Harbor Cultural Center, 1000 Richmond
Terrace, Livingston, Staten Island, (718) 448-2500 (through Oct.
4). The intriguing title of this six-artist exhibition was
inspired by a reference in Herman Melville's ''Moby-Dick.'' Only
Ellen Driscoll explores the possibilities of the theme directly
in murky, expressionistic works on paper, enigmatic sculptures
and props for a performance to be presented Thursday through
Sept. 20. The painter Janet Gillespie offers finely made,
surreal paintings of the ocean; Arden Scott fashions elegantly
abstracted boat sculptures. Ahab's wife rema