GALLERIES

Reviews by David Pagel (D.P.). Compiled by Grace Krilanovich.

Critics’ Choices

Nathaniel de Large: at large De Large is a light-handed junk picker whose search for quirky stuff is only the beginning of an out-of-step quest to refashion the world into a playground for the imagination. Wonder, spiked with a shot of gentle absurdity, is the Holy Grail he coaxes into existence with his DIY inventions. The L.A. artist gets viewers to experience the world as a loopy adventure, a meandering journey filled with serendipitous twists and wonderful turns that keep us on our toes, almost dancing. Cirrus Gallery, 542 S. Alameda St., L.A. Tue.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; ends Jan. 30. (213) 680-3473.

Kristen Morgin: Cellos Melancholy does not merely waft into the atmosphere from Morgin’s elaborately crafted clay, wire and wood sculptures. It pours forth in torrents, filling the gallery with sadness that is palpable and almost unbearable. And that’s just the beginning. The powerful first impression made by these loaded works from 2001 gives way to less obvious, more nuanced emotions. They simmer slowly and resonate deeply. All of Morgin’s sculptures appear to have endured well beyond their best years, persisting in the face of great difficulty and reconciling themselves to diminished expectations. Pragmatic and wise, they capture the tenor of our times. Marc Selwyn Fine Art, 6222 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 101, L.A. Tue.-Sat., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; ends Jan. 23. (323) 933-9911.