Art Picks

On view only on Saturdays from 1 to 4 p.m. (and by appointment) through Dec. 30 at Litmus Gallery is Andre Leon Gray's "Versus," new mixed media assemblages continuing the exploration of African-American culture in the visually and intellectually challenging manner for which he is known. In his hands, dissected basketballs, a square of gymnasium flooring, an old ironing board, and a discarded sweeper are magically transformed into totems of the African diaspora. With "Ghetto Blond," Gray uses blond hair extensions (from the beauty supply store across the street), paint chip samples, and African kente cloth to raise questions about stereotypes of beauty. "Profilin" offers a chalkboard progression of profiles from ape to African to classical Greek, identifying a hierarchy based on white ideals. The eraser placed over the chalkboard, a symbol in several Gray works, offers the chance to erase or change a perceived history. Gray escapes diatribe by artfully configuring open-ended symbols that encourage thoughtful reading and rereading. 312 W. Cabarrus St., Raleigh. eyegumbo@yahoo.com

At Lump Gallery, an end-of-the-year sweep had Team Lump members calling upon friends from all over the United States to create "Group Hug," a lively curated show that has the joint jumping. Pulsating on one wall is David Colagiovanni's "highlighter star drawings," a video edition of 12. Tory Wright, whose works are also on view at Branch Gallery in Durham, is represented by "gold tassel tears" and "Gucci ooze," delicate cut-outs made from actual advertising materials, and offer, if I'm reading them right, critiques of advertising-induced ideals of beauty. Allyson Mellberg weighs in with a compelling drawing, reminiscent of children's book illustration, whose attraction/repulsion factor is rivaled only by Meret Oppenheim's famous surrealist object, the fur-lined tea cup. Projecting from the back wall is Andrew Fansler's ambitious mixed media sculpture, constructed of Plexiglas, wood, fan blades, pulleys and foam, looking something like a flying machine that might actually take off. Megan Sullivan takes traditional quilting into new directions, taking as her subject matter urban street scenes and graffiti -- breathing new life into the form. 515 W. Blount St., Raleigh. 821-9999, www.lumpgallery.com

If the holidays have you down, take solace in Mary Shannon Johnstone's photographic series, which sensitively chronicles the effects of the dissolution of her parents' marriage and the subsequent reconfigurations of her family relationships. On display at Artspace's Upfront Gallery, in the artist's words, "'Lost Dreams and Tall Tales' embraces these sad, awkward moments and revels in exaggerating family myths and traditions. With these images I hope to create an alternative family album complete with heartache, disappointment, anger, sadness, support and love." Her unflinching camera finds the scars (literal and figurative) and hopes of a family, like all families, in constant transition, hidden in shadow and revealed in light. 201 E. Davie St., Raleigh. 821-2787, www.artspacenc.org