Designing intelligently
The Soo Visual Arts Center is presenting “Quantum Circus, The Intelligent Design Project” through Christmas Eve. The show is a two=person collaborative multimedia installation by Michael Zansky and Andrea Stanislav.
The project explores the idea that a sculptural environment can be created that combines elements of movement, light, and sound to enhance sculptural characters and creatures, which will “perform” in acts, the center says.
The small sculptures include fantastic creatures, morphs and mutants, it says, the “imaginary anatomy” of the 21st Century.
“Quantum Circus” runs through Dec. 24.
Soo Visual Arts Center. 2640 Lyndale Ave. S.
871-2263. www.soovac.org.
Southwest siblings
The Abdomen, a band of Southwest siblings who recently released their first CD with their younger sister in the band, will play Nov. 25 at Intermedia Arts.
The Uptown art gallery isn't far from the recording studio where the teenagers spent late evenings learning and recording the album, “This Time.”
The Abdos - Jake, 20, Matt, 19, and Mari, 16 - were among fewer than 50 teens selected to attend a national Grammy Camp last year near Los Angeles, where some of their new songs took shape, a press release says.
“Everybody there was extremely proficient, professional and into it,” Matt said.
Music camp organizers had words of praise for The Abdomen, as well.
“Together they create a musical synergy that is captivating and authentic,” said Patrick Bolek, director of education initiatives with the Grammy Foundation. “‘Pacific Sunrise,' a song composed at the inaugural Grammy Camp, completely captures the California vibe. You'll be hard-pressed not to put the convertible top down and crank this tune as you drive along the Pacific Coast Highway with the wind in your hair.”
The Abdomen perform Sat., Nov. 25.Intermedia Arts. 2822 Lyndale Ave. S.871-4444. $5.
Big art
Up-and-coming Minnesota artist Chris Larson is showing his most recent installation at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. Larson, born in 1966 in rural Minnesota, is best known for elaborate, large-scale wooden sculptures. The current show includes a 16-by-14-foot, two-story cardboard house that was the setting for his fourth film, “Crush Collision,” which is also on view. The film garnered international attention at an event in Berlin earlier this year. The film features musician Grant Hart, performance artist Britta Hallin, local percussionist Michael Bland and gospel quartet the Knight Family.
“Crush Collision” runs through Jan. 7.Minneapolis Institute of Arts. 2400 3rd Ave. S.870-3046. www.artsmia.org.
Dan Haugen can be reached at [email protected]