Blaffer Art Gallery: "First Take: Jacco Olivier"

It almost feels like Dutch artist Jacco Olivier has invented a new form of art. A cross between a traditional painter and a filmmaker, Olivier photographs his canvases as he reworks them. For his final product, he presents the photos in sequence, resulting in animation that's both subtle and dramatic. The Blaffer Gallery's "First Take: Jacco Olivier" will feature ten of these pieces. In Bath, the economical movements of a woman toweling off, when imposed over a fluctuating, sky-like blue and white background, go from mundane to sublime. And in Portrait, slight changes in the facial expression of a man in a green sweater lend the subject a unique sense of humanity, while a background that shifts across the color spectrum gives the piece momentum. Beautiful, understated and novel without being gimmicky, "First Take" is worth your notice. Opening reception 6 to 8 p.m. May 13. Regular viewing 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. May 14 to August 7. University of Houston, 4800 Calhoun. For information, call 713-743-9521 or visit www.blafferartmuseum.org. Free.
Tuesdays-Saturdays. Starts: May 13. Continues through June 7, 2010
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Blake Whitaker
Contact: Blake Whitaker