‘'Figure It Out 2005': George Lopez’

Figure It Out 2005: George Lopez

Eastside Art Palace, through July 14

Irrational and impotent posturing distinguishes the figures in the drawings that George Lopez is exhibiting along with Aldo Valdés Böhm, Jon Lawrence, Deborah Roberts, Gail Boykewich, and Dov Scher in the Eastside Art Palace show "Figure It Out." Disturbed and wounded, Lopez's crudely drawn figures struggle to complete themselves. Their struggle also applies to the young felons I worked with through an experiential arts program. Robert, a 22-year-old convicted on possession and distribution charges, was artistically proficient and enthusiastic about telling his story. During a group mural session, he painted himself as a small boy with tear-filled eyes, his silhouette illuminated by the candles from a birthday cake never made, for a party that never happened. Like most of the young men in this program, his father was in and out of prison throughout his youth. The absent father showed up in most of the works, but few of the participants illustrated themselves as vulnerable children until Robert took that risk for the entire group. Lopez's figures mirror the fragmented part in all of us that invariably seeks comfort, security, and acceptance. With their stumpy legs, protruding bellies, double rows of teeth, and underdeveloped genitals, Lopez's toddler-size men wait expectantly. Like Robert at the bus stop, in his highest quality silver-plated jewelry encrusted with genuine "show me the bling bling" crystals and knee-length shorts, waiting is all he can do. Everyone knows children aren't allowed to drive cars.