“Death’s Head Sideshow” by Archer Dougherty

In the Jungian theory of psychiatry, the anima is the female element or inner personality in the collective unconscious, and the manifestation of feminine attributes in men. It is also the title of Archer Dougherty’s solo show opening at Stranger Factory on Friday. In Anima she focuses what she calls her “pop surrealistic visions” around strong female themes. She says the characters she portrays are poised somewhere in limbo between childhood and the adult world, trying to tackle internal demons and outside influences. Figures of women surrounded by bright colors, theatrical details and whimsical—and somehow ominous—creatures mark her work.

 

Opens Friday, Sept. 2, 6 to 9 p.m.

Runs through Oct. 2

Stranger Factory

109 Carlisle NE

508-3049, stranger@strangerfactory.com

 

Southern California artist Martin Facey is fascinated by life and the forces that come together to create it: light, time, humidity, heat. In his new series of paintings, Pluck, he explores the fragility and interconnectedness of life, primarily through the image of the seed. And these are some big kernels. Facey used paint, fiberglass, fabric and other materials to construct the works that fill Bright Rain Gallery. A professor of art and art history at UNM for 20 years, Facey has a piece in the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History's collection and three in the permanent collection of the University of New Mexico Museum. See the seeds revealed while pecking at hors d'oeuvres on Saturday from 4 to 8 p.m.

 

 

Our city is home to topnotch artists. See and hear all kinds of them tonight in this jubilee of disciplines. There will be eye candy by more than 12 visual artists, a handful of poets to woo you with words and aural pleasure by at least six musicians. “Visuals” is also on the list of entertainment, so expect some projections. This is the first evening of what will be a monthly showcase of local artists. Go and support the event so it keeps happening.

Click here for the event’s Facebook page.

 

Tonight! Get out of work and head over to Creative Albuquerque (115 Fourth Street NW) for an art opening and reception with food and drinks. This is a group show by the talented students from UNM Arts 487: Interdisciplinary Portfolio Class. With the support of their instructor, Patrick Manning, the students have orchestrated this entire exhibition -- from work selection and installation, to publicity and reception planning. The artworks range from photography, to sculpture to painting and DJ Machina is in the house.