Visual Art

Our guide to spring's visual art highlights.

by Robin Rice

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Published: Jan 16, 2008

Open to Interpretation: The Art & Science of the Inkblot

Drexel University blots its copybook. On purpose. Inkblots have long been a source of fantasy, artistry and analysis. John Langdon, professor of graphic design at Drexel, uses them as the basis for artful abstracted text. Eric Zillmer, professor of neuropsychology and director of athletics, has done clinical research with the Rorschach series.

Through Feb. 8, Leonard Pearlstein Gallery, Drexel University, 3141 Chestnut St., 215-895-2548, drexel.edu/westphal.

Pepón Osorio, Karyn Olivier, Hank Willis Thomas, Syd Carpenter, Keith Morrison, Tyrone Mitchell and others reflect on the influence of African-American voices in modern and contemporary art as part of the "African Impressions/Contemporary Art" series. Censorship, appropriation, popular culture and historical neglect are among the topics.

Through Feb. 10, Ice Box, Crane Building, 1400 N. American St., 215-232-3203, cranearts.com.

Textile artist Susie Brandt utilizes castoff fabric, Barbie clothes and pieces borrowed from the Design Center's own historic textile collection to build a site-specific installation.

Jan. 24-April 6, Design Center at Philadelphia University, 4200 Henry Ave., 215-951-2860, philau.edu/designcenter.

Philadelphia-born Beaux (1855-1942) was the first female faculty member at PAFA and received many honors in Europe. In a period of exceptional portraiture, hers are extraordinary for their incisive use of color and insight into personality. Organized by former PAFA curator Sylvia Yount.

Feb. 2-April 13, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Samuel M.V. Hamilton Building, 128 N. Broad St., 215-972-7800, pafa.org.

Gijs Bakker and Jewelry Deep: New Paintings by Vincent Romaniello (CLICK IMAGE FOR LARGER VERSION)

The Art Alliance is the only U.S. venue for the work of conceptual Dutch jewelry designer Gijs Bakker. Photographs and body molding forms characterize minimalist, conceptualist and pop jewelry displayed in Aldo Bakker's specially designed cases. Also on view in the Rittenhouse Satellite Gallery: heavily textured abstract paintings by Romaniello, better known to Philly as a filmmaker.

Feb. 7-May 18, Philadelphia Art Alliance, 251 S. 18th St.; Rittenhouse Satellite Gallery, 210 Rittenhouse Square, 215-545-4302, philartalliance.org.

Tony Rocco (CLICK IMAGE FOR LARGER VERSION)

Humanity, individuality and culture are themes of this Anthony Rocco photographic retrospective. Black-and-white and color portraits record faces from Philadelphia to Rocco's mother's homeland in Colombia.

Feb. 8-April 16, Taller Puertorriqueño, 2721 N. Fifth St., 215-426-3311, tallerpr.org.

Frida Kahlo (CLICK IMAGE FOR LARGER VERSION)

The must-see show of the season brings 200 paintings by the much-loved artist familiarly known as "Frida" to Philadelphia. It includes two famous self-portraits never before shown in the U.S., as well as portraits of friends and late still lifes.

Feb. 20-May 18, Philadelphia Museum of Art, 26th Street and Ben Franklin Parkway, 215-763-8100, philamuseum.org.

The International Fiber Symposium at the University of the Arts this spring will be coordinated with about 20 exhibitions in commercial galleries. Don't miss curator Bruce Hoffman's huge survey at Snyderman-Works (215-238-9576, snyderman-works.com) and shows at nonprofits like the Fabric Workshop and Museum (215-568-1111, fabricworkshop.org).

March 6-8, University of the Arts, 215-717-6386, uarts.edu/fiber_symposium.

Birds, a source of quintessential forms and symbols in many cultures, famously inspired cubist Constantin Brancusi. Most clay sculptures in this show don't resemble his work, but all of the artists have used bird imagery extensively. With, among others, Guy Michael Davis, Rebecca Harvey, Leanne McClurg, Hannah Niswonger, Laurie Shaman and Michaelene Walsh.

March 7-30, Clay Studio, 137-139 N. Second St., 215-925-3453, theclaystudio.org.

(r_rice@citypaper.net)

 

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