Definitive Abstractions

Galveston-born, Dallas-based Otis Jones doesn't tend to mince words when coming up with titles for his mixed-media creations. More often than not, with the exception of a series of untitled paintings, those cards next to most of Otis Jones' works pretty much explain it all. "Black Rectangle with Four Red...

By Daniel Rodrigue

September 22, 2011

Help us weather the uncertain future

We know — the economic times are hard. We believe that our work of reporting on the critical stories unfolding right now is more important than ever.

We need to raise $6,000 to meet our goal by August 10. If you’re able to make a contribution of any amount, your dollars will make an immediate difference in helping ensure the future of local journalism in Dallas. Thanks for reading the Dallas Observer.

Contribute Now

Progress to goal

$6,000

$4,000

Audio By Carbonatix

[
          {
            "name": "GPT - Billboard - Slot Inline - Content - Labeled - No Desktop",
            "component": "21721571",
            "insertPoint": "2",
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "2"
          },{
            "name": "STN Player - Float - Mobile Only ",
            "component": "21861991",
            "insertPoint": "2",
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "2"
          },{
            "name": "Editor Picks",
            "component": "17105533",
            "insertPoint": "4",
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "1"
          },{
            "name": "Inline Links",
            "component": "18349797",
            "insertPoint": "8th",
            "startingPoint": 8,
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
            "maxInsertions": 25
          },{
            "name": "GPT - 2x Rectangles Desktop, Tower on Mobile - Labeled",
            "component": "22608066",
            "insertPoint": "8th",
            "startingPoint": 8,
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
            "maxInsertions": 25 
          
          },{
            "name": "Inline Links",
            "component": "18349797",
            "insertPoint": "8th",
            "startingPoint": 12,
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
            "maxInsertions": 25
          },{
            "name": "GPT - Leaderboard to Tower - Slot Auto-select - Labeled",
            "component": "17357520",
            "insertPoint": "8th",
            "startingPoint": 12,
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
            "maxInsertions": 25
          }
        ]

Galveston-born, Dallas-based Otis Jones doesn't tend to mince words when coming up with titles for his mixed-media creations. More often than not, with the exception of a series of untitled paintings, those cards next to most of Otis Jones' works pretty much explain it all. "Black Rectangle with Four Red Rectangles" is just that -- a large black rectangle with two red rectangles on each side. Ditto for "Pale Yellow Rectangle with Grey Border." With his most recent exhibition, Otis Jones: New Work, the artist continues his exploration of abstraction. Maybe we've watched too much from J.J. Abrams and Bad Robot Productions, but if you stare at "Long Narrow Rectangle With Two Small Rectangles Far Apart" or a few of his other squares and rectangles for very long they kind of look like robots with a blank stares. The exhibition runs through October 8 at the Holly Johnson Gallery, 1411 Dragon St. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Admission is free. For more information, call 214-369-0169 or visit hollyjohnsongallery.com.
Tuesdays-Saturdays. Starts: Sept. 10. Continues through Oct. 8, 2011

Daniel Rodrigue

A message from Culture Editor Alec Spicer: If you value independent journalism, please consider making a contribution to support our continued coverage of Dallas' vibrant culture and arts scenes.

Support Today