Although best known for his Buddha Bar compilations, Arno Elias also has a painting pedigree. The artist makes his U.S. debut at the 2300 Studio Gallery as part of tonights Wynwood arts crawl, beginning at 7:00. The French funksters mixed-media collages twang the chord of the energetic world rhythms heard in his music, and they feature images of tigers, motorcycles, lovely ladies, philosophers, musicians, and Buddha. Call 305-438-1140.
After a tipple or two, amble over to Diana Lowenstein Fine Arts and wrap your noggin around Michael Scogginss Dont Tread On Me in the main gallery or Michael Lovelands Window I Beautiful in the Project Room. Scoggins takes the familiar image of blue-lined notebook paper and blows it up in drawings he covers with text and symbols of American pop culture. For this show he hijacks the Gadsden Flag to stage a political battle of his own. Inspired by chance encounters with dirty storefronts, road signs, and delivery truck exteriors, Lovelands riffs on urban artifacts are encased in windows to suggest upscale shops like Tiffanys and Cartier, through which he toys with notions of commerce and wealth. Call 305-576-1804, or visit www.dlfinearts.com.
Curated by Gean Moreno, Conditions of Display, the first collaborative project between The Moore Space and Locust Projects, showcases 23 artists who also explore display strategies, and the myriad ways in which artworks are framed and distributed, in a sure-bet, two-venue show. Stop by The Moore Space, (4040 NE Second Ave., Miami; 305-438-1163), and Locust Projects, 105 NW 23rd Street, Miami. Call 305-576-8570, or visit www.locustprojects.org.
Sat., April 14