DALLAS. PUNK! 1976-1982: Various artists, at Cohn Drennan Contemporary
Opening reception: February 23, 6-8 pm
Exhibition dates: February 23-March 30
Like most cool scenes, if you weren’t there, you just don’t get it. But lucky for Dallas newbies and young ’uns who didn’t get to hang out at Zeros, Magnolia’s or the Hot Klub, Cohn Drennan Contemporary is giving us a look at the late, great world of Dallas punk.
“Dallas has doubled in size, and only 50 percent of the people you meet on the street know this insanely cool thing happened,” says the exhibition’s curator, David Marett. “It’s also catching up to what everyone’s up to these days and what they did to embrace that ‘fuck you’ punk rock attitude in their life and work.”
Photographers James Bland, Tracy Holman and Paul Quigg; muralist Frank Campagna; and bone sculptor Turner Van Blarcum exhibit new and classic work alongside screenings of classic videos and concert footage, with an era-appropriate soundtrack provided by DJ Mr. Rid.
LAND HO: New works by Dean Monogenis and Pepa Prieto, at Circuit 12 Contemporary
Opening reception: February 23, 6-10 pm
Exhibition dates: February 23-March 31
Travel the world through the mind’s eye at “Land Ho,” the latest show at Circuit 12. Featuring painting video, sculpture and installations from Brooklyn-based artists Dean Monogenis and Pepa Prieto, “Land Ho” is the result of working concurrently on two continents and two islands, including time spent in studios in New York, Spain and Greece.
“They’re basically a husband-and-wife combo, and ‘Land Ho,’ is their way of saying, ‘We’ve gotten back home after traveling for two years,’” explains Circuit 12’s owner Dustin Orlando. With Monogenis’ architectural fantasy environments and Prieto’s abstract landscapes, the show serves as a dreamlike trip around the globe, without ever leaving the Design District.
PROCESS: Jonathan Ramirez and Eric Cox at W.A.A.S. Gallery
Opening reception: February 21, 7-10 pm
Exhibition dates: February 21-March 22
If grotesquery and in-your-face sexuality is your cup of tea (and why wouldn’t it be?), W.A.A.S Gallery’s collaborative exhibit featuring two of their celebrated resident artists should be on the list of the month’s must-attend events. “Process” showcases the portraits and sculptures of Phoenix artist Eric Cox, who tackles the raw, genetic and corporal identity of the human condition. Monterrey, Mexico native Jonathan Ramirez draws forth unsettling emotions from viewers who look upon his darkly emotional digital illustrations and sculptures.
Both have been censored for their in-your-face approach, but together they break the boundaries of what fine art has become. The show also features a performance from local electro-punk Cutter, who recently took home a 2012 Dallas Observer Music Award for Best Electronic Act.
"Dallas: Punk!" featuring works by photographer James Bland and other artists, opens February 23 at Cohn Drennan Contemporary.
