Black & Blue

Way Out of Africa Art collection transports unlikely beasts into space. By Marge Perko Mud-caked footprints and fur-lined sketches describe the rhino's plight in Africa during today's 7 p.m. opening reception of Judith Brandon's second Gordon Square exhibit, Black & Blue. But unlike her debut at 1point618 Gallery (in 2006), the 20-piece display doesn't feature the creatures under dark skies or in desolate habitats. Instead, it depicts them in ethereal and intergalactic settings. "She used to put her animals in these really surreal landscapes depicting storms, wind, and tornadoes," says Robert Maschke, the gallery's director. "She takes us now into the solar system with speculative, planetary backgrounds." Black & Blue runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, through Sunday, March 30, at 1point618gallery, 6421 Detroit Avenue. Admission is free. Call 216-281-1618 or visit www.1point618gallery.com.