Paper Ace

It's like art Christmas in the Dallas area this autumn. The much anticipated Gaultier exhibit is here; Tony Cragg sculptures fill the Nasher; and the Kimball is hosting the only American exhibition of Caravaggio and His Followers in Rome. To top it all off, one of the most interesting and inventive artists in generations will show his work in the Dallas Museum of Art's Barrel Vault and its surrounding galleries. If you haven't heard of Mark Bradford yet, you will be floored -- the way he uses paper in his work is mind-blowing; he manipulates the material in ways that bring a new meaning to the word "collage." His stock in trade are these epic multimedia pieces that stop you in your tracks with their combination of pattern and color. Vibrant constructions, sometimes billboard sized, draw their influences from a childhood spent in Los Angeles, as well as hip hop culture and African-American history. Bradford seems to focus on the urban experience, making his commentary through a stunning medium that certainly holds its own among some of the bigger names making their way into the DFW art world in the coming months. Mark Bradford's works are on display at the Dallas Museum of Art, 1717 North Harwood St., through January 15. The museum is open 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday and until 9 p.m. on Thursdays. Admission is $10 for adults and free for children under 12. Visit dallasmuseumofart.org.
Tuesdays-Sundays. Starts: Oct. 16. Continues through Jan. 15, 2011