ABSTRACT RESISTANCE
Enshrined in a museum gallery, art often seems divorced from the messy traumas that make the daily news: war, politics, economic upheaval, global warming and all that. But for the artists in "Abstract Resistance," the news is never out of mind. Their paintings, sculpture and installations aren't agit-prop pieces laced with political messages or calls to action, but they do urge a thoughtful response to the uncomfortable realities of modern life. The show begins with a car crash by Charles Ray, above, includes a kidnapping, and takes on big issues of life and death. No one promised you a rose garden. But you can swing in a hammock or assemble an art puzzle in "Helio Oiticica/Rirkrit Tiravanija: Contact," another show opening simultaneously. (Preview party, 9 p.m.-midnight Fri., $35. Walker Art Center, 1750 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls. "Resistance" runs Sat.-May 23; "Contact" through March 20, $10 adults. 612-375-7600 or www.walkerart.org)
MARY ABBE
