LA CIENEGA AREA

Approaching mid-career, Scott Burton has established himself as both a maker of furniture and a performance artist of considerable reputation. His live performances frequently deal with sexual themes while his furniture treads the line that separates utilitarian object from sculpture.

An exhibition of seven new works includes some of the most authoritative furniture this side of a horsehair sofa. Made of granite--which comes in a surprising variety of colors and textures--Burton’s severely modern tables and chairs exude a sense of Herculean weight. A highly polished accordion of crisp angles labeled “Chaise Lounge” defies you to flop down for a nap, while a pair of end tables is so stylized, symmetrical and complete that it would be aesthetic sacrilege to use them as receptacles for car keys and books. Burton may refer to his creations as furniture, but it takes only a glance to see that they’re actually objects to be admired from a respectful distance. (Daniel Weinberg Gallery, 619 N. Almont Drive, to Sept. 27.)