Heart Show

Americans love horror movies. A surprising number of otherwise sane citizens will gladly pay good money to sit in a dark theater and watch hours of unspeakable acts perpetrated by murderers and madmen. And while commercially successful, it is the rare foray into the genre that gets the privilege of being considered art. Dallas area photographer David Lyles is trying to change that with his latest exhibit, St. Valentine's Day Massacre, on display at the Magnolia Gallery through March 18. The show is a collaboration with local filmmaker Patrick Johnson. Upon completing his new horror film, Crushed, Johnson asked Lyles to use the wardrobe and props from his bloody masterpiece as the subjects for a series of fine-art photos. Lyles has managed to make these otherwise somber and sickening items seem both beautiful and clinical by completely removing any slasher-flick connotations. A bloody knife, where once ghastly, now seems almost like a photo for an Armani print ad. The effect is stunning and makes one rethink how context influences emotional responses. Plus, on Valentine's Day itself (during the exhibit’s reception), there will be a screening of Crushed at 7:30 p.m. so you can get the whole "before and after" experience. Visit landmarktheatres.com for more info.
Feb. 14-March 18, 2008