Lo-Lustre

When: Through March 14

Lo-Lustre latex enamel paints are used for high-abuse areas, so the title fits the work of Oakland recyclers/recontextualizersBarbara Holmes and Marie Reich. Holmes has a fondness for absurd consumer goods (like an LP of grindhouse music replete with a bonus G-string) and the magic of nomenclature: In her International Color Reference Series, she presents the artifacts unaltered but for the addition of paint ships bearing ironically appropriate color names: an immaculately dressed Jesus (“Celestial Glow”); a bronco rider (“American Bronze”); a blank plaque (“Blond Wood”). Reich collects objects and fabric, used clothing, and old clothing patterns: “[It] helps me take risks, as the materials don’t cost anything,” she said. Works like “Steppes,” “Haircut Time,” Aretha,” and “I’m Afraid Not” are loosely woven, wall-hung structures that seem to be melting or slipping back into chaos — look fast! Lo-Lustre runs through March 14 at The Compound Gallery (6604 San Pablo Ave., Oakland). 510-655-9019 or TheCompoundGallery.com

— DeWitt Cheng
Press

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