Last Chance

Catch it or Regret It

by Holly Otterbein

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Published: Oct 2, 2007

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Every day for one year, Clete Shields created self-portraits out of polymer clay, oil paint and tile. Laid next to one another, the multicolored tiles boil life down to daily minutiae: Shields smoking pensively, Shields curled up like a fetus, Shields naked. The exhibit also features his sculptures of classical female nudes, menacing gargoyles and ancient warriors, serving as a nice contrast to the somewhat self-absorbed portraits.

Neo-pop darling Karey Maurice doesn't know the meaning of subtlety. Inspired by the '60s pop art movement and '90s graffiti artists, the Trenton-based painter furiously criticizes political injustices, female exploitation and deep-rooted prejudices. In America 2001, a distorted smiley face, blood splatters and the American flag intermingle above the phrase "Have a nice day."

Perfect for placement in children's books, Lisa Hurwitz's paintings of little old ladies, butterflies and bathtubs are more Shel Silverstein than Disney fairy tale. Her characters, with their football-shaped faces, dots for eyes and button noses, remind us of the small charms of everyday life, like wallowing in the tub, riding bikes and communing with nature (pictured).

 

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