Ree Morton at Overduin and Kite

Overduin and Kite has mounted the first L.A. solo exhibition of the rarely seen Ree Morton — who died in 1977 in an automobile accident. All of the paintings, drawings and sculptures are from 1973 and 1974, a time in her career when she was experimenting with text, incorporating elements of both poetry and narration; they precede her use of celastic in sculptures, for which she was best known. Influenced by feminism, pattern and decoration, and Americana, Morton explored these ideas through a variety of media. Created in what is said to have been one of the happiest times in her life — a summer she spent in Canada with her children — Morton’s simple pencil drawings of Newfoundland feel incredibly intimate even in their abstraction; as she plays with ideas of mapping, there is also a palpable element of joy. In See-Saw, Morton has created a sculpture that resembles the child’s playground toy but is encircled by blocks, creating a clocklike space to reference time and perception. Most recently, Morton was included in the “WACK!” show at MOCA. Don’t miss the opening reception: Wed., Oct. 24, 6-8 p.m.

6693 Sunset Blvd., Hlywd. | (323) 464-3600 | www.overduinandkite.com | Tues.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Through November 28

Lisa Ann Auerbach’s “Auerbachtoberfest” at David Patton Los Angeles

Two knit banners in the gallery’s front windows — “Things can only get better” and “Things can only get worse” — spark discourse before one even enters the show. Included in smaller text on the opposing titles are elements from a list of possible contributors to “better” or “worse” — such as “my marriage” or “Iraq.” Much of Auerbach’s inspiration for her knit pieces comes from her obsession with Rick Nielsen, the Cheap Trick singer who in his heyday wore sweaters with text, such as “Don’t steal my girlfriend.” Fascinated by Scandinavian designs, Auerbach used a knitting machine to create the main works in the show, which are sweater-and-skirt sets displayed on mannequin forms. Auerbach uses each outfit as a canvas, literally weaving together both personal and political ideas, concerns or interests. Also included are portraits of unicycles from the unicycle shop Auerbach created at the last High Desert Test Sites event in the Mojave Desert. Her new book, Unicycle Shop, will also be available at the gallery. The show opens for viewing Oct. 20; the reception will be Sat., Oct. 27, 7-10 p.m.

5006½ York Blvd., Highland Park | (323) 478-1966 | www.davidpattonlosangeles.com | Thurs.-Sat., noon-6 p.m. | Through November 17

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