Jenna Bauer: The Respite Sequence

Responding to the complexity and anxiety of the past five years, artist Jenna Bauer embarked on a new collection of work, The Respite Sequence. Initially begun while caring for her father, the series started with oil paintings. From a distance they appear to be soft-edged landscapes; as you approach each piece, you notice the slashes of intersecting lines that criss-cross the surface. Is it the wind howling across the landscapes, or is the internal buzzing of a mind riven by stress, worry and fear reflected on the surface? Bauer's blurred paintings are accompanied by sound installations and some sculptural pieces. Jenna Bauer: The Respite Sequence opens with a free reception from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, May 3, at Hoffman LaChance Contemporary (2713 Sutton Boulevard, Maplewood; www.hoffmanlachance.com). The exhibit continues through May 25.