"Absolution: Photographs from Eastern Europe"

Julia Ramey January 28, 2010 4:00AM

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Everyone from California hippies to devout Eastern European Christians has sacred places. That's the theory behind California-based, Poland-born artist Roman Loran's photographic work, which is on display in "Absolution: Photographs from Eastern Europe" at the De Santos Gallery. Loran, who spends much of his time shooting ancient trees and wide-open spaces in California, went on a trip to explore his ancestral roots in Eastern Europe, where he found a surprising confluence. "I think the oaks are just as sacred as the old cathedrals of Europe," he said. Whether they capture a placid lake or a gilded church mural, Loran's smooth black-and-whites are, at least, a sanctuary for any urban brain. 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. Through February 27. 1724 Richmond. For information, call 713-520-1200 or visit www.desantosgallery.com. Free.
Tuesdays-Saturdays. Starts: Jan. 23. Continues through Feb. 27, 2010