Art: Dirt on Delight; Yo Gabba Gabba and more
Largaespada & Krinke: New Work
We'll admit it. We were starting to think that John Largaespada's shtick -- grotesque digital mutations of scenes from classic works of art -- had run its course. But his new work at Rosalux has proven us wrong. He's distanced himself from the name-that-classic gimmick a bit, crafting scenes that remain psychologically taut and wickedly creepy, even if you missed the reference. Two portraits of Anna O -- the self-mutilator of Freud's infamous case study -- hum with a low-grade uneasiness and sense of foreboding. Rebecca Krinke tempers Largaespada's effects-heavy vibe with sculpture that is more muted and ghostly. Her "Skins" series -- dried-out human husks hung upside down from the walls -- seems straight out of some desert tomb, heavy with a sense of reverence and suffocating bondage. (Free opening reception 6-10 p.m. Thu.)
- Gregory J. Scott
'Dirt on Delight: Impulses That Form Clay'
This homage to the artistic range of ceramics blows into Walker Art Center on a gust of boffo reviews. New York Times critic Roberta Smith called it "close to groundbreaking," and others have hailed it as the most important show in years to originate from Philadelphia's Institute of Contemporary Art. It would be easy to dismiss the praise as a PC reparation on the part of the Contemporary Art World, which has made pains to smooth over the art/craft divide in recent years. But the work in the exhibition is so gleefully content with itself, it's pretty clear that no one has an axe to grind. "Dirt on Delight" features 22 artists spanning four generations, with old-school pots by 19th-century innovator George Ohr getting chummy with porcelain masterpieces from contemporary crossover stars such as Kathy Butterly. For those who scoff at the Walker as a trendy temple of the avant garde, this show might just win you back. (Opens Sat. Exhibition through Nov. 29.)
- Gregory J. Scott
'The Art of Yo Gabba Gabba!'
With two exhibitions under its belt, the new Pink Hobo has already cemented its status as the Twin Cities' geekiest art gallery. For its third public exhibition, Pink Hobo geeks out on the hippest children's TV show, "Yo Gabba Gabba!" The Nick Jr. series' revolving roster of A-list actors and musicians (from Jack Black to the Shins) helped bring it to the mainstream, but the most impressive part of the show is its design, animations and props by Parker Jacobs and a slew of big-name guest artists. On display will be never-before-seen original drawings and sketches by the show's creators and Jacobs, as well as props, original production artwork and stills from guest artists King Mini, Mark Mothersbaugh, Option-G, Megan Brain and more. It's an art show that kids will like as much as you will. (5 p.m.-midnight Sat. )
- Jahna Peloquin
'The Little Picture Show'
Rosi Kittsteiner's paintings evoke a bleary, warm-bath kind of comfort. Wisps of paint pull away from impressionistic flowers, fruits and fish, evaporating into the ether -- and our stress seems to do the same. Kittsteiner is debuting a new collection of "Little Pictures," tiny oil paintings on wood and porcelain, none larger than 5 inches square. Aside from being affordable, the paintings' small size makes them ideal as meditational charms -- keyhole peeks into a calmer realm. A reception at Kittsteiner's northeast Minneapolis home gallery features a performance by Peter Ostroushko, the mandolinist and fiddler of "A Prairie Home Companion" fame. (6 p.m. Sat., music at 7 p.m. R.P. Kittsteiner Art Gallery, 809 University Av. NE., Mpls. $10 suggested donation. 612-362-9190, www.rosiartgallery.com)
- Gregory J. Scott
