GALLERIES

Reviews by Sharon Mizota (S.M.), and Leah Ollman (L.O.). Compiled by Grace Krilanovich.

Critics’ Choices

Laura Lasworth: The Western Wall Lasworth’s ravishingly beautiful paintings began as studies of the Puget Sound, as viewed from her Seattle apartment. They remain that -- chronicles of moody weather, charged atmosphere, placid sea -- but the view also serves as a framework for tableaux, mostly with Christian themes. Familiarity with her references deepens the experience of the work, but a sense of visual and spiritual occasion prevails regardless. Lasworth is a painter of uncommon integrity(L.O.). Lora Schlesinger Gallery, 2525 Michigan Ave., Santa Monica. Tue.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; ends Sat. (310) 828-1133.

Continuing

Robert Mallary The artist’s dark, dramatic assemblages are breathtaking. The works on view at The Box date from the ‘50s and ‘60s. “Harpy” is a tattered, winged figure constructed out of resin-soaked tuxedos stretched over thin steel rods. In large wall pieces, Mallary used resin to shape sand, gravel, wood and cardboard into monochromatic abstractions somewhere between painting and sculpture. His use of resin eventually made him ill. A selection of works from the ‘80s reveals how he continued to explore the same motifs using only torn and folded scrap paper. (S.M.) The Box Gallery, 977 Chung King Road , L.A. Noon-6 p.m. Wed.-Sat.; ends April 3. (213) 625-1747.

Group Show: Love in a Cemetery 18th Street Art Center’s ambitious group exhibition seeks to question the relationship between cultural institutions and the communities they serve. The show doesn’t necessarily re-invigorate the gallery space, but it does raise questions about how such works might best be presented within its walls. The projects, which range from protest posters and panel discussions to installation and interactive performance art, are represented with varying degrees of success. The best examples work equally well in the gallery as on the street (S.M.). 18th Street Arts Center, 1639 18th St., Santa Monica. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; ends Fri. (310) 453-3711.