August 26, 2007

Galleries

Reviews by Holly Myers (H.M.) and Leah Ollman (L.O.). Compiled by Grace Krilanovich.

Openings

Tom Castelazo LA Artcore Center at Union Center for the Arts, 120 Judge John Aiso St., L.A. Opens Sat. Wed.-Sun., noon-5 p.m.; ends Sept. 16. (213) 617-3274.

The Original Art of Basil Wolverton Cal State Fullerton Grand Central Art Center, 125 N. Broadway, Santa Ana. Opens Sat. Tue.-Wed., 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; Thu.-Sat., 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; ends Oct. 21. (714) 567-7233.

Tyson Reeder: Menomonee Valley An exhibition of new paintings and drawings. Jack Hanley Gallery, 945 Sun Mun Way, L.A. Opens Sat. Wed.-Sat., noon-6 p.m.; ends Sept. 29. (213) 626-0403.

Critics' Choices

Picasso: A Graphic View This show is a welcome reminder of why an artist like Picasso bears returning to again and again, however well you think you already know him. A considered presentation of two particular bodies of work, the show feels like a long lunch with a beloved (and slightly dirty) old uncle, some of whose stories you've heard but all of which are marvelous in the telling (H.M.). Jack Rutberg Fine Arts, 357 N. La Brea Ave., L.A. Tue.-Fri., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; ends Sept. 15. (323) 938-5222.

Continuing

Charles Gaines: Greenhouse, Florence Pita: Alice and Jeff Williams: Thickly Settled "Greenhouse" pictures L.A. as the anti-greenhouse, not a protected environment designed to help living things thrive but a doomed experiment, a punishment, a gas chamber. The installation doesn't generate any new thoughts on its subject, but it leaves a strong impression by reframing common knowledge as an awesome, striking lament (L.O.). LAXART, 2640 S. La Cienega Blvd., L.A. Tue.-Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; ends Sat. (310) 559-0166.

Group Show: Nature (Interrupted) and Ming Hsu: Republic of China, Without People! "It seems the more we mess with Nature," curator Pam Posey begins in the essay that accompanies this group show, "the more she messes with us." This "embattled relationship," as she puts it, is the subject of her thoughtfully organized, handsomely presented exhibition (H.M.). 18th Street Arts Center, 1639 18th St., Santa Monica. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; ends Sept. 14. (310) 453-3711.

Group Show: ZOOM +/- This enjoyable excursion through the theme of mapping is threaded with good humor and clever subversion of the map's physical integrity and its implicit authority. Nineteen artists from the U.S. and beyond -- painters, sculptors, photographers and makers of video and collages -- are included (L.O.). Arena 1 Gallery, 3026 Airport Ave., Santa Monica. Wed.-Sat., noon-6 p.m.; ends Sept. 8. (310) 397-7456.