LA CIENEGA AREA

A rather confusing pastiche of work lies at the disappointing end of the group show continuum. Intended to contrast promising newcomers with the famous fellows from our art history books, the side-by-side display of old and new leaves us wondering what the point is; this endeavor might lead us to conclude that art has really degenerated over the years. There are some individual highlights in the work of the seasoned masters that could stand admirably on their own: a wrenching scene of prisoners by Kathe Kollwitz and a linear portrait by Pablo Picasso, to name a few. Of the few contemporary works that do not pale and wane in the comparison, the well-crafted figurative collage of Deborah Lawrence stands out. (Marilyn Pink Gallery, 760 La Cienega Blvd., to Sept. 8.)