Natan Dvir shows portraits made in Israel of 18 year old Arabs. That age is fertile material for Arbus-style exploration. It is made more compelling by intense identity, of the photographer and subjects, forged by conflict. Shai Kremer shows traces of military activity on landscape in Israel. Given the long history of habitation there, those wounds on land are probably not the first. One would hope tough, with the unending advances in the destructiveness of weaponry, that our social evolution toward peace outcompetes our social devolution towards war. At Blue Sky Gallery www.blueskygallery.org map 122 NW 8th
The Laura Russo gallery is well known for its warm relationship and career supportive connections to artists shown. This show of new artists is a nice complement to many of the artists shown for years in the gallery and collected by the Museum. Artists Gala Bent, Marcus Gannuscio, Grant Hottle, Rachel Peddersen, Megan Scheminske, Liz Tran show work. Much of it is painting, a Russo gallery specialty. Previews in the New Views section of the gallery artists page. Recommended. At Laura Russo Gallery www.laurarusso.com 805 NW 21st
Light art is a rare medium. Rarer in the Pacific Northwest, despite long grey times. Artist Hap Tivey is an early light artist, well worth your investigation, though it hasn't engaged me strongly. At Elizabeth Leach Gallery www.elizabethleach.com 417 NW 9th Map
PDX Contemporary has a group show at its Across the Hall space including gallery artists Jacques Flechemuller, Kristen Millerm James Lavadourm Anna Gray & Ryan Wilson Paulsenm Joe Maccam Ellen Georgem, Cynthia Lahti, James Lavadour, Nick Blosser, Storm Tharp, Nancy Lorenz and Terry Toedtemeier. At PDX Contemporary Art www.pdxcontemporaryart.com 925 NW Flanders Map early close 8PM
Valentines, always a great decompression and talk spot after First Thursday has Family of Origin by Lizzie Swift. Valentines valentineslifeblood.blogspot.com 232 SW Ankeny Art 9PM, Free
Recommended as always the many fine shows likely at the Everett Lofts and PNCA.
