In the galleries, March 30

The Rocky

Friday, March 21, 2008

Liu Ren's photograph and computer-generated image Dreaming - Five Old Men.

Body Art: New Photography From China

* What: Work with a focus on the human figure

* Where and when: Foothills Art Center, 809 15th St., Golden; through May 4

* Of note: Tea and tour, 2 p.m. March 30 ($35); SCFD family free day, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 19 (talk by curator Julie Segraves, art activities)

* The body politic: The Asian Art Coordinating Council is riding a wonderful wave, one that emerged in 2004 with the conceptually rich "Over One Billion Served" organized at MCA Denver.

Now council executive director and curator Julie Segraves has joined forces with Foothills Art Center curator Michael Chavez for a photography show all about the human body, a not-so-surprising theme in a country where finding one's place as an individual remains a challenge.

How hot is photography (any art form, actually) from China? Very, as demonstrated by "Body Art: New Photography From China."

Two artists here also are featured in other photography shows this month. Huang Yan, who designs and photographs classically inspired "temporary tattoos" his wife paints on his and others' bodies, also had work recently at Michele Mosko Fine Art. Li Wei turns physically demanding, and dangerous, activities that engage his body with the environment into performance art and photography. His extreme, hard-hitting work is at Robischon Gallery, too.

Others are at Foothills alone. Ma Yanling's "Silk Ribbons" series presents nudes wrapped up like gifts - or anonymous parcels - that question the worth of women. Wu Yuren's "An Imperial Criminal" series shows blue-tinged portraits with a fluorescent brand on each forehead denoting various transgressions. And Cang Xin is photographed performing works that involve using his tongue to appreciate cultural icons such as The Great Wall.

The standout here, though, is Liu Ren, who blends photography with computer technology to take on political issues set against ethereal backgrounds. Her Dreaming - The Great Hall of the People swarms with sheep in front of that seat of government, and Dreaming - Five Old Men portrays the Communist Dream Team (from Marx to Mao) fighting off outside influences symbolized by cartoony weapons.

Month of Photography offers opportunities to roam the world's cultures. A stop here is a must.

* Information: 303-279-3922; foothillsartcenter.org