WILSHIRE CENTER

David Amico’s art recalls those generic brand items found in supermarkets. Everything from string beans to litchi nuts is found under one label. Eight of Amico’s recent large paintings and a few drawings present almost as many separate styles. “Ochre Tree” is in a conservative Abstract Expressionist style recalling such an obscure figure as, say, Wilfredo Lamm while “Harp on White” is generic Neo-Expressionism. “Jewell Hills” evokes the preppie landscapes of Fairfield Porter but the paint isn’t even dry on that one before Amico is off painting “Nave,” a vortex abstraction filled with the Surreal spirit of, oh, Matta.

Magpie artists of Amico’s stripe have stirred approbation in some critical circles for “escaping the tyranny of style.” If that is a victory, why do their exhibitions so closely resemble student Masters’ shows with their typically eclectic, pastiche-ridden demonstrations of lessons learned? It is simply the kind of callow art one hopes he will outgrow. Amico is still among the most promising painters around, but it is time for his art to show some conviction. (Irit Krygier, 7416 Beverly Blvd., to May 25.)