Pawel Dutkiewicz BE/TWEEN

As if Houston wasn’t already awash in minimalist monochromatic paintings — see “Robert Ryman, 1976” at the Menil Collection and “Joseph Marioni: Liquid Light” at Wade Wilson Art — Anya Tish Gallery joins the party with “Pawel Dutkiewicz: BE/TWEEN.” The Krakow, Poland-based Dutkiewicz follows a similar conceit as the above-mentioned artists, the idea that in order for a painting to truly communicate with the viewer, all obstacles must be eradicated until purity is achieved. Therefore, painting is boiled down to process, the simple act of applying color to surface. Dutkiewicz goes a bit further and actually combines different fields of color — barely discernible shades of white with pinks, greens and lavender — in a more geometric fashion than, say, Mark Rothko.

We suppose it makes sense that during this most hectic and complicated time of year, some local galleries and museums are offering simple and austere works for us to meditate upon. 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays; 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays. Anya Tish Gallery, 4411 Montrose. Through December 29. For information, call 713-524-2299 or visit www.anya-tishgallery.com. Free.
Nov. 30-Dec. 29, 2007