The ceramic portrait figures at Young Blood by West Coast studio mates Derek Weisberg and Crystal Morey have deeper emotional undertones than one might expect. That's because these fast-rising young artists have made works that echo the shape and tone of medieval devotional figures, although the subject matter is contemporary.
The artists' tour de force, "Carrying Memories," consists of a main figure, rendered with tortured facial expressions, made by one of the pair, carrying a memory figure made by the other. (Weisberg's figures are male, and Morey's female.)
Weisberg and Morey are interested in such heavy conceptual issues as the survival of religious concerns in direct and disguised forms. In addition, Morey offers small, lovely figures of seraphs —- angels who are head, wings and nothing more. And anybody who wants their very own little sculpture of a gold tooth can have one of Morey's.
The sense of humor mingled with seriousness is a good indication of where Young Blood is trying to go as it adapts to its new location on North Highland south of Ponce.
Owners Maggie White and Kelly Teasley are determined to introduce artists of serious technical quality and, yes, sometimes even investment potential, without losing their original edge and niche.
> THE 411: "Sugar and Spice and Everything's Not So Nice: Derek Weisberg and Crystal Morey." Noon-8 p.m. July 24, noon-9 p.m. July 25-26, noon-8 p.m. July 27. Young Blood Gallery and Boutique, 636 N. Highland Ave., Atlanta. 404-254-4127, www.youngbloodgallery.com.
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