"Hypermorph: New Work by William Cardini"

If there were a truth-in-advertising rule in art, the “Hypermorph: New Work by William Cardini” exhibit that just opened at Domy Books would be called “Really, Really New Work.” That’s because the artist completed several works, including Hypermorph #51,736, the piece used for the show’s poster, just days ago. There would also be a parenthetical (a.k.a. Mark P. Hensel) added to the end of the show’s title because the artist Cardini is author Hensel’s louder, wilder alter ego. Through his work (or should we say their work?), Cardini/Hensel has been developing the mythology of the hyperverse, an alternative realm of reality filled with ever-changing planets that are populated by strange creatures.

“Hypermorph” brings some of those creatures into this universe. #51, 736 shows a three-eyed, toothy worm growing out of the center of a mass of claws and scales, with a horned lizard head sitting on top of it. Another image shows three creatures wearing what seem to be crystals on their heads, the rest of their bodies covered in colorful patches of bright colors that allow them to almost blend into the background. See if you can figure out what’s what at the opening reception at 7 p.m. Saturday, September 25. Regular viewing hours are noon to 8 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sundays. Through October 21. 1709 Westheimer. For information, call 713-523-3669 or visit www.domystore.com. Free.

Sept. 25-Oct. 21, 2010