Fall arts preview 2018: Top 10 visual art picks this season

While a number of thought-provoking exhibitions focus on social and spiritual issues this fall, new shows cover everything from old masters and ancient Chinese porcelain to fashion photography.

San Diego Art Institute: “Beyond the Age of Reason”

Regional artists look at how faith connects with modern life in a study of ritual and symbolism. The multicultural exhibition examines many faiths through the eyes the artists. Through Oct. 31. San Diego Art Institute, 1439 El Prado, Balboa Park. $5 general admission. (619) 236- 0011. sandiego-art.org

San Diego Chinese Historical Museum: “World in Porcelain”

Chinese history, culture and art are examined through decorative and functional objects from the mid 1500s to the early 1800s during the Maritime Silk Road trade era. The collection — the U.S. debut of more than 100 privately owned pieces — includes vases, tea pots and bowls. Sept. 15 to Jan. 19. San Diego Chinese Historical Museum, Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Extension, 328 J St., downtown. $5. (619) 338-9888. sdchm.org.

Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego: “Being Here With You /Estando aqui contigo”

The exhibition, which takes its title from the bilingual song “Angel Baby” by National City band Rosie and the Originals, explores topics such as public space, colonialism, the border and homelessness by 42 artists from both sides of the border. Sept. 20 to Feb. 3. Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, 1100 Kettner Blvd., downtown. $5-$10. (858) 454-3541. mcasd.org.

Timken Museum of Art: “Rococo Rivals and Revivals”

The big three names of rococo art — Jean-Antoine Watteau, François Boucher and Jean-Honoré Fragonard — will be displayed side by side, along with contemporary artists inspired by the rococo period, which originated in Paris in the early 18th century. Sept. 21 to Dec. 31. Timken Museum of Art, 1500 El Prado, Balboa Park. Free. (619) 239-5548. timkenmuseum.org.

Oceanside Museum of Art: “James Hubbell: Seeking Balance”

Stained glass, paintings, sculptures and poetry will look at the venerable artist’s use of myth and storytelling and how beauty affects us all. The exhibition consists of work from houses of worship as well as outdoor places where people seek spiritual connections. Sept. 22 to Feb. 3. Oceanside Museum of Art, 704 Pier View Way, Oceanside. $5-$8. (760) 435-3720. oma-online.org.

La Jolla Historical Society: “San Diego: The Architecture of Four Ecologies”

Taking its name from British architectural historian Reyner Banham’s “Los Angeles: The Architecture of Four Ecologies,” a tribute to L.A.’s car-centric environment, the exhibition focuses on the car as the main means of transport to experience our region’s four ecologies: beaches, freeways, the border and suburban/urban landscapes. Works in various media will look at our relationship with the automobile and the environment. Sept. 22 to Jan. 20. La Jolla Historical Society’s Wisteria Cottage, 780 Prospect St., La Jolla. Free. (858) 459-5335. lajollahistory.org.

Museum of Photographic Arts: “Irving Penn: Beyond Beauty”

One of the leading photographers of the 20th century, Irving Penn (1917-2009) is known for his fashion and portrait work for Vogue. This retrospective, organized by the Smithsonian American Art Museum, includes images from Penn’s long career ranging from streets scenes to still lifes, portraits and fashion and studio shots. Sept. 29 to Feb. 17. Museum of Photographic Arts, 1649 El Prado. Pay what you wish. (619) 238-7559. mopa.org.

San Diego Museum of Art: “Tim Shaw: Beyond Reason”

Northern Irish sculptor Tim Shaw’s work isn’t always comfortable, but it will raise questions and stimulate conversations. His installations, mixed media sculptures and drawings examine issues such as terrorism, abuse of power and the silencing of free speech. Oct. 20 to Feb. 24. San Diego Museum of Art, 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park. $8-$15. (619) 232-7931. sdmart.org.

University of San Diego: “Matika Wilbur: Project 562”

Matika Wilbur, a member of Washington’s Swinomish and Tulalip tribes, has been traveling the country in an RV called “Big Girl” since 2012 photographing contemporary Native Americans. Her goal is to respectfully capture images of members of all 562 federally recognized sovereign tribes and challenge the idea of the “vanishing races.” The show will include more than a dozen of her portraits, concentrating on tribes of the Southwest. Nov. 9 to May 3. David W. May Gallery, University of San Diego, 5998 Alcala Park, San Diego. Free. (619) 260-7516. sandiego.edu/galleries.

Lux Art Institute: Rachel Mica Weiss

Known for her installations and sculptures, Rachel Mica Weiss looks at the relationships between landscapes and architecture. Her installation series “Topographies” focuses on bringing geography back into interior spaces. During her residency, she’ll be creating a piece inspired by the Lux’s natural landscape. In residence Nov. 17 to Dec. 15, on exhibit through Jan. 12. Lux Art Institute, 1550 S El Camino Real, Encinitas. $5. (760) 436-6611. luxartinstitute.org.

Schimitschek is a freelance writer.