Photo of Summer Heat by Leslie Smith III
The art business can be slow in the summer, so galleries often take risks and introduce new artists. Meet Leslie Smith III, a 26-year-old UW-Madison assistant professor who’s showing at Dean Jensen Gallery. Smith’s paintings range from amorphous shapes to suggestive abstractions. They’re composed of simple forms with bright colors and playful patterns, feeling like they want to tell stories but remaining on the edge of fully speaking. Funny, robust and well-orchestrated in a youthfully goofy manner, Late Night Debate nudges title interpretation, whereas Summer Heat coalesces into a melted cupcake. (Debra Brehmer)
Leslie Smith III: Paintings July 27-Sept. 1. Dean Jensen Gallery. 759 N. Water St., 414-278-7100.
