In the Associates Space is Don Carleno: new paintings, featuring work that is well within the stylistic parameters that the artist has been pursuing for the last ten years or so. Using traditional styles and techniques associated with the old masters, Carleno surrealistically imposes inappropriate elements. In this year's group, he combines religious images with occult ones. Most of the pieces are simultaneously intimate and creepy.
An exhibit called honey neck. david brady is seen in the tiny Treasure Chest. This informal conceptual show, which is not unrelated to Bender's, includes such impromptu sculptures as a split Close-Up toothpaste tube sticking out from the wall and a sculpture stand that supports a pair of red gumdrops.
Finally, in the Ilk @ Pirate space is Neil Irwin: slides of new work. Irwin has lined the walls with viewing racks made of wood painted flat black. Propped up on the racks are tiny abstract paintings that Irwin has mounted as slides, both standard slide mounts and oversized ones.
It's been quite a while since there have been four shows worth seeing at Pirate -- lately you'd be lucky to find one. But easy come, easy go, with all four closing this Sunday.
