Max Kauffman's Must-Not-Miss Denver Art Roundup 7.13.12

Super Ordinary Gallery presents ''Refuge' :: New works by Rob Mack :: Opens Saturday 14th 6-10pm :: 3126 Larimer St

For Rob Mack's upcoming show, he continues to draw inspiration from wild animals, the forest and his collection of old books and records. Rob transforms these influences into talismans that serve as guardians of the meditative space that he gains from nature. These talismans are filled with references to family, friends and milestones of his life. Rob's newest work is larger and more complex than what he has done previously. In this new body of work, Rob uses found wood, which he saturates with bright colors that lend it a dream like quality. He has also started layering his pieces with complicated cut-outs of animals that break the plane of their backgrounds. This gives the work a feeling that it's trying to escape the confines of the 2D world.

Indy Ink presents 'Subtlety of Line' :: New work by Manu Budant, Mike Gallegos and Chris Grill :: Opens Friday 13th 7:30 pm :: 84 S Broadway

Indy Ink is proud to present Subtlety of Line, new works from a cadre of young Denver artists. Each works in line and with a nod to graffiti in various ways. Mike Gallegos has been painting walls for over 10 years, both in Colorado and beyond. His work continues to be informed by these practices, but moving towards more of a folk aesthetic. His paintings for the show reflect on different organs of the body. Manu Budant has called the US home for the last 11 years. Originally from Brazil, her painting reflects her homeland, full of vibrancy and color. Chris Grill is from Albuquerque, and this will be his first time showing his work in a gallery setting. He has slaved away in the streets for over a decade like Mike, we are honored to be hosting his work indoors for the first time.

Knew Consciousness presents 'Reuben Rude - Almost Ready' :: Opens Saturday 14th 8pm :: 2700 Walnut St

Knew Conscious Gallery is honored to welcome San Francisco artist Reuben Rude back to Denver after over 5 years, with a new exhibition of work titled "Almost Ready." Join us for an opening reception with the artist on Second Saturday July 14th at 8pm, with musical guest, Raw Russ! Reuben Rude’s current work can be described as drawings in paint over re-created time- lapse collage. Clean, sculpted lines meet artificially haphazard texture. He works in all kinds of acrylic paint and mediums, found wood and ephemera, and generous dollops of elbow grease. When asked about the themes in his work, he prefers to remain cryptic. But looking at it, one might guess that he is interested in the ideas of isolation, connection, and the true meaning of "home."

Gildar Gallery presents 'Alkahest' :: New Paintings By Jonathan Saiz :: Opens Saturday 14th 7-11pm :: 82 S Broadway

In the main gallery Jonathan Saiz debuts his first solo exhibition as a Gildar Gallery represented artist. Featuring exquisite oil on canvas paintings from his Alkahest series, these works reflect the artist's personal experience within an environment where myth and reality collide. Created in near seclusion this last winter on the Greek island of Mykonos, this series of paintings both indulge and examine man's desire for transcendence through the material world.

The title of the series, Alkahest, refers to a mythical solvent pursued by alchemists. Believed to have the ability to universally dissolve and purify anything regardless of its physical properties, this hypothetical substance, while promising riches beyond compare to its creator, posed a potentially serious threat. If created, how could it ever be successfully contained? Thus its discovery could have placed the very existence of the material world in danger. In keeping with this paradoxical legend, Saiz conjures beautifully translucent geometric forms as unstable containers for an extravagant array of, "curiously shifting histories". These fragmented visions appear always on the brink of breaking beyond the bounds of their crystalline chambers, at once becoming attainable and at risk of dissolving in an instant. Also featuring new works by Johanna Mueller in the project room.

Thanks to Max Kauffman for curating this list