Figuratively speaking

It’s common for galleries to invite their regular artists to a group show built around a theme. Because artists create unique works, it can be hard to pair them or put together a unified exhibition. Organizing a show with a theme is a working solution, because it allows for built-in unity—each artist has been asked to adhere to some sort of guideline, but there’s still ample room for personal expression. The Exploding Head Gallery, at 924 12th Street, has a show up through August that explores the wide area offered by the human form. Figuratively Speaking features the work of such gallery mainstays as Gale Hart, Patrick Marasso, Mick Sheldon and several others. Some of these artists already work with the figure; others have embarked into new territory. Either way, it’s good form.