U of In Situ

There is a mysterious new show at Blaffer Gallery. Here's what we do know about Urs Fischer's site-specific installation, "Mary Poppins": The floor of the gallery has been covered in black vinyl, and the surrounding walls are black, blurring the borders. Situated in the room are Fischer's quirky sculptures, made of plastic bags, paper, foam, vinyl, resins and metal. The works are meant to point to a theme. What theme? The folks at Blaffer won't tell us. Let's hope there's an umbrella, a spoonful of sugar or some bratty kids involved.

By contrast, Tam Van Tran's "Psychonaut" is a little more direct. The exhibit is a showcase of the L.A.-based Tran's work since 2000. Known for mixing the organic with the mechanical, Tran uses natural materials — such as beet juice — to create his paintings, which are meditations on the natural world. This is the first major Houston exhibit for the up-and-coming Tran. Get "Psycho" through August 5.
Fri., May 12, 7-9 p.m.; May 13-Aug. 5