MUST RUN 4-6

TONY OURSLER, NAYLAND BLAKE AT GALLERY PAULE ANGLIM

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SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF. — Gallery Paule Anglim presents “Three photographs, three mirrors, a sculpture and a sign,” an exhibition of new works by Nayland Blake, and “Anomalous Bodies, Resonant Dust, Worms,” an installation of new works by Tony Oursler. Both exhibits are on view through May 5.

Oursler’s large suspended sphere, “Purple Dust,” will hover in the center of a miniature galaxy of smaller planets, each animated by sound and colorful, moving video images projected on their surfaces.

Taking a cosmic and comical look at outer space, Oursler builds his planet-sculptures from imagery explored in science, in film (with nods to Jules Verne, Hollywood and TV sci-fi) and in mythology. The artist combines moving parts of the human body with swirling clouds and astral light, forming each planet with its own unexpected identity.

Here and in previous work. Oursler has examined the history of recorded moving imagery, especially in its use as an instrument to better see the universe, and for its hopeful role in unveiling the unknown or, even, alternative realities.

In his fourth show at Gallery Paule Anglim, Blake has created a complementary group of works, described by the show’s title, dedicated to the story of personal relationships.

Enlisting his now signature character of the rabbit, Blake offers a picture of the labyrinth of emotional and sexual interactions with its codified roles and appetites. In objects and images he scrutinizes current psychological parlance of sexual identity, codependency, dominance and monogamy. His mirrors play with clichés and accepted tools for self-examination in ways that have universal and autobiographical readings.

Blake has worked in many artistic formats including sculpture, drawing, photography, video and performance.

Blake’s works has been exhibited internationally, including past Whitney and Venice Biennials.

The gallery is at 14 Geary Street. For information, 415-433-2710.