Garin Pirnia

L.A. artist Jon Rajkovich's second show at Lisa Boyle differentiates from his previous show there with a focus on more abstracted sculptures and a departure of the surreal. Looking at his sculptures, there are moments when they seem to transform themselves. Standing in front of "Partial Interference," the wood pieces interlock together with a heavy coating of solid red paint. Looking at the piece sideways, colors of fuchsia burst forth as the entire piece appears engulfed in flames. "Untitled (Blue and White Rhombus)" contains sanded wood interspersed with seafoam green paint creating wavy lines. Rajkovich uses found objects in his work, such as in "Untitled (Duck Basket)," where a brown, woven basket resembling a duck's neck sits on top of the sculpture. In "Gilroy Ripple," Rajkovich uses royal blue paint over wood, generating ripples and a snake-like figure slithering through the background with a hanging plant emerging from its "mouth." "Lion Paw" sits on the floor with a gilded paw attached to the wood pieces stretching out across, gnarling and twisting into a semblance of a lion. Some of Rajkovich's sculptures are more finished than others, but all of them pique the imagination and allow it to run wild.

Jon Rajkovich shows at Lisa Boyle Gallery, 1821 West Hubbard Street, (773)655-5475. Through May 26. (2007-05-01)

Also by Garin Pirnia

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Nurturing burgeoning artists in their twentied and thirties is the reason Robertello opened his gallery
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Tip of the Week
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Tip of the Week
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