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IN THE GALLERIES: Paralleled 3

Mary Voelz Chandler

Published September 18, 2008 at 7 p.m.

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* What: Pairing of French street art and American landscapes, plus "Arabesque," an installation by Rian Kerrane in the nearby Rude Gallery

* Where and when: Philip J. Steele Gallery, Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design, 1600 Pierce St., Lakewood; through Saturday

* Opposites attract: Steele Gallery director Courtney Stell last year inaugurated a series of exhibitions on the theme, "Paralleled," first the pairing of amorphous abstraction and socially conscious artwork, then earlier this year work that is earthly with that which is ethereal.

Now, the topic is one that stretches our perception of the word landscape - that is, French street art and American landscapes. Stell has inherited two separate galleries - one east, one west - in their own parallel construction. That means each show is in its own space, good for concentration of an idea but perhaps more difficult for undertaking the game of compare-and-contrast.

In "Paralleled 3," Stell has included landscapes that range from romantic to conceptual with French work that is strong on graphics and attitude. This thoughtful approach to seemingly disparate topics is much appreciated.

Meanwhile, in the Rude Building's gemlike Rude Gallery a few buildings away, Rian Kerrane explores her love of wallpaper in an installation, "Arabesque," that will grow on a viewer just as it grows on the walls, in flourishes and references to expansion and decay.

* Information: 303-753-6046; www.rmcad.edu

Mary Chandler is the art and architecture critic. chandlerm@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-954-2677