20 art shows to see this winter
Paulette Tavormina: “Natura Morta” (Through Dec. 31)
Robert Klein Gallery
Tavormina is a professional photographer who takes pictures of ordinary fruit and vegetables, somehow managing to arrange and light them in such a way that they look exactly like medieval paintings. This no small feat. Her other claim to fame is her work as a “food stylist” on major films like The Perfect Storm and Nixon. 38 Newbury St, Back Bay, Boston (617-267-7997, robertkleingallery.com)
Louisa Conrad: “The Workers” (Nov.–Dec.)
Anthony Greaney
No advance details have been given, but chances are good that Conrad’s latest photos will involve goats. In the past she’s journeyed to the Arctic tundra to shoot both pipeline workers and nature, and to Iceland to capture amazing shots of an eroding landscape. Word on the street is that she's currently photographing at a goat farm somewhere in Vermont. 450 Harrison Ave, South End, Boston (617-482-0055, anthonygreaney.com)
“Boston does Boston IV” (Dec. 4–Jan. 8)
Proof Gallery
Gallery Curator Kara Braciale has pulled together some video artists with impressive credentials: ex-rocker, current MFA School prof Kurt Ralske, urban auteur Jonathan Calm, blur-master Suara Welitoff and Rebecca Roberts. The good news for Boston artists is that each of these four will be allowed to pick another artist to become part of the show. So all you would-be video artists out there—commence your sucking up now. The Distillery, 516 East 2nd St, South Boston (864-674-7237, proof-gallery.com)
“Waking in the Blue” (Dec. 1–Jan. 2)
Kingston Gallery
At first glance, the bright, horizontally-striped acrylic paintings of Rose Olsen bring to mind luminous beach towels. Closer examination reveals deeper subtleties and textures. Shimmering colors painted in transparent layers seem to shift, and the wooden board they are painted on shows through like a body revealed beneath a negligee. 450 Harrison Ave # 43, South End, Boston (617-423-4113, kingstongallery.com)
Laura Baltzell: “The War and Peace Project” (Dec. 3–18)
Atlantic Works Gallery
Laura Baltzell is taking artistic ambition into whole new realms of the neurotic: She and a group of volunteers have pledged to make 750 separate collages using every page of her Russian copy of Tolstoy’s bleak classic. Her press release describes the idea as “crazy and enticing.” We know they got the first part right, at least. File this under: must be seen to be believed. 80 Border St, East Boston (atlanticworks.org)
