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"Reduced Visibility"

Abstract art takes on serious social issues

A A A Comments By Julia Ramey Thursday, Sep 3 2009

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Even the most seasoned art lovers can have a tricky time cracking the code of abstraction. Learn a few tricks at the Glassell School's new exhibition "Reduced Visibility," curated by Core Program Critical Studies Resident Kurt Mueller. The show demonstrates the potential of visual abstraction to effectively convey the complexities of serious issues, in some cases more effectively than literal representation. This is especially true for artist Rico Gatson, whose videos address race relations and conflict, and Lisa Oppenheim, whose pictograms explore how race is constructed. Other pressing problems are addressed in the late Mark Lombardi's drawings, which visualize the global flow of money, and in the photographs of Trevor Paglen, which peer into the secret world of military testing and operations. Add in the enviro-conscious sculptures of Helen Mirra and you’ve got concrete examples of the power of abstraction. Opening reception from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Through November 15. 5101 Montrose. For information and regular gallery hours, call 713-639-7500 or visit www.mfah.org. Free.
Fri., Sept. 4, 6:30-8:30 p.m.; Tuesdays, Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thursdays, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fridays, Saturdays, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sundays, 12:15-7 p.m. Starts: Sept. 4. Continues through Nov. 15, 2009