‘Sense of the Eye’ opens

DIXON – “Sinn des Auges” an exhibit by Sauk Valley Media chief photographer Alex Paschal, opens Saturday with a reception from 6 to 8 p.m. at The Crystal Cork Wine Shoppe, 219 W. First St.

It’s one of the many events going on at the monthly Second Saturdays Art Happening, which features activities and events at a variety of downtown venues.

Sinn Des Auges, roughly translated from German as “sense of the eye” is an exploratory abstract photographic exhibit.

Through a digital mirroring process, Paschal duplicated images of nature (for the most part) to create a balanced symmetrical piece.

When Paschal first fooled around with this process, he was taken aback by the images within the work that it produced, he told gallery staff. Recognizable faces, animals, art – all unveiled themselves to Paschal in these often-otherworldly prints.

“It is my hope the viewer will explore these pieces and not be conditioned by the titles that were chosen from what I see and are reminded of,” he said in news release announcing the exhibit. “I consider it a sort of “Rorschach-ian” test.” 

The show runs through May. 6. Admission is free. Go to www.thecrystalcork.com or call 815-285-3496 for more information on the gallery.

Go to www.second-saturdays.com for the complete Second Saturdays schedule.