Goin' for the Prize

Sometimes I feel that the modern artists are in league against me. Against all of us, really. In a very Emperor's New Clothes-like conspiracy, they stupefy us with incomprehensible, weird "artworks" that we ignorantly marvel over while they titter behind our backs. We have no idea what we're looking at; therefore, it must be genius. In fact, I posit that most modern art is based on a dare. And yet, critics adore it. But what do I know? Maybe you'll love Dallas Contemporary's Arthouse Texas Prize 2005 exhibition, featuring pieces by Eileen Maxson, Robyn O'Neil, Robert A. Pruitt and Ludwig Schwarz. Other exhibits include work by Teresa Rafidi, Deborah Ballard and Mari Omori, a Japanese artist who sculpts with teabags (that sounds like a double-dog dare). Judge for yourself at Dallas Contemporary, 2801 Swiss Ave., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, through February 25. But if your hear muffled giggles, don't say I didn't warn you. Admission is free. Call 214-821-2522.
Tuesdays-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Starts: Feb. 8. Continues through Feb. 25