Rena Bransten Gallery : Vik Muniz -?Paper Trails.

Comment by AB: Photographs from two distinct Vik Muniz series are on display here. In his mesmerizing images from "Pictures of Paper," Muniz replicates seminal works of famous photographers like Lewis Hine, Dorothea Lange, and August Sander by collaging them out of pieces of paper in black, white, and shades of gray. These updates are arguably more intriguing than the originals with their added dimensionality. In his works from "Gordian Puzzles," Muniz conjures renditions of famous paintings by the likes of Bosch, Breugel, and Raphael by arranging hundreds and hundreds of loose jigsaw puzzle pieces one on top of the other. He then photographs and supersizes the results of his creative escapades. Is it really what it looks like or is it something else altogether? You're never quite sure 'cuz Muniz plays with your brain like few artists can. Plus you can't help but marvel at the exceptional range of skills entailed in every aspect of his work. Absolutely worth a visit. Price range $40K-$88K.

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San Francisco Museum of Craft + Design : The Thinking Body.

Artists: Janine Antoni, Cornelia Parker, Gijs Bakker, Joan Parcher, Lauren Fensterstock, Myra Mimlitsch-Gray, Gerd Rothman, Otto K?nzli and Melanie Bilenker, Nick Dong, Emiko Oye. Curated by Kate Wagle and Anya Kivarkis.

Comment by AB: According to the crib sheet, this disjointed cacophony of creatibles presents the endeavors of "American and European metalsmiths whose work considers the body in relation to its physical and intellectual environment." Seems more like curatorial anarchy; I can't quite seem to get a grip. Individually however, commendable work.

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San Francisco Art Institute : Teddy Cruz and Pedro Reyes - Conflict Resolution.

Comment by AB: Architect Teddy Cruz and artist Pedro Reyes collaboratively essay on various regional and international issues including the war in Iraq, border quandaries between San Diego and Tijuana, the American McMansion lifestyle, and more. Their clean orderly installations get right to the point, not necessarily from agendized or activist perspectives, but rather like, "Here's the way things are-- now what are we gonna do about it?"

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