One imperfectly painted silver canvas with tie-dyed pink cloth loosely attached to its surface angles across another silver canvas in the basement of Charlie James Gallery. The middles of both canvases are cut open to reveal unsubstantial wood supports beneath. Artist William Powhida calls this kind of art “Informalism,” as the note — or rather, the realistic rendering of a note drawn on a white wood panel — that hangs beside it explains: “This abstract art about making abstract art is everywhere. … Why? Maybe artists and collectors are tired of the complexity of the world.” Each work in the show, called “Bill by Bill,” fits a type and is accompanied by a note like this. But none of it has a snarky, “I've got you pegged” vibe. It feels like a skeptic's sincere attempt, through mimicking, categorizing, drafting and crafting, to figure out what's going on in art right now. 975 Chung King Road; through June 8. (213) 687-0844, charliejamesgallery.com.

Wednesdays-Saturdays. Starts: April 20. Continues through June 8, 2013

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