Bodies of Work , Debbie Leavitt's photography exhibit at La Bellavia, takes a close up view of the world both near and far away. Like the graffiti art girl with a megaphone featured in the show, at this point in her life Leavitt is not shy to share her art or her opinion. “I'm getting more abstract all the time,” she explains.

Whether fresh Hatch chiles, vintage mannequin parts, or shreds of post-apocalyptic visions, Leavitt is intrigued these days with shape and shadow, more suggestive of a mood than actuality. “Creepy cool,” she smiles.

Leavitt and her camera have been to Botswana , Barcelona , and the bottom of the Grand Canyon . Bodies of Work features recently captured images, iconic souvenirs of wandering both urban streets and the open trails of the Southwest.

Venting War Frustrations - THE TUCSON CITY WEEKLY September 20, 2007

Art and Politics

We know election time is creeping up on us, because campaign signs are starting to appear in front yards.

Despite the ugliness of this process, Galeria la Sirena is displaying political artwork created by multiple Arizona artists who are adding their own touch of beauty to the not-so-beautiful issues of war and politics.

"These artists pinpoint issues in a memorable way, making their point clear without preaching about it," says Rachel Wilson, curator of the art collection.

The idea for the Art and Politics exhibition began last spring. "I was feeling desperate about the political situation in Iraq causing a lot of frustration, sadness and anger," says Wilson . "I talked with friends and said, 'Hey, let's get together an exhibit.' I found many artists hadn't already displayed their political art, because they felt it didn't fit in at any of the venues."

 

click here for AZ Daily Sun article by Betsey Bruner