Last Chance

Catch it or Regret It

by Holly Otterbein

[ catch it or regret it ]

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Of the three seemingly unrelated artists in this show, Constantina Zavitsanos stands out the most. Her installations — inspired by new steam-punk aesthetics and ancient optical illusions — are spellbinding. As you walk into one, located in a small white room, a live video camera records your back. Expecting to see your face instead, you barely recognize yourself, which is Zavitsanos' way of reminding us that our mental maps of ourselves are barely set in stone.

Another highlight is a rigged pair of headphones that has old-timey clocks where the speakers should be, perhaps commenting on the ability to measure time through music. A sculpture constructed of pieces of metal and matches also presents a captivating look at time — with two lights swinging above it, the movement of its shadows make you feel as though you're watching the day pass by abnormally quickly.

Though not quite as strong, the accompanying artists Johanna Inman and Yvonne Lung present highly competent exhibits. Inman's photographs (pictured) of old, yellowed, cracked and water-stained books will be beautiful to anyone who enjoys walking around old libraries. And Lung, a Mandarin interpreter, creates a insightful video documenting immigrants' experiences in the United States.

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Want to know what Philly's best art students are up to, but don't feel like suffering through the mediocre ones to find out? NEXUS Gallery has whittled its show down to the seven best young, local artists. Look out for Molly Morlock's photographs of meat-covered hands and Alicia Crosby's video of people in smiling, blockheaded clay masks.