When 19th-century German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche announced, "God is dead," most people had the good sense not to take him too literally. One hundred years later, it's clear that God (or various permutations thereof) is still very much alive — even if many of us have chosen to worship a host of idols (e.g., the iPhone, Gianni Versace, or reality television). The modern tension between earthly temptations and otherworldly revelations creates an intriguing premise for Spirituality and Materialism, an exhibition of artwork by nine artists at C. Emerson Fine Arts. Check out Diana Lucas Leavengood's eerie photograph of a discarded plastic baby doll or Frank Strunk III's kinetic dollar bill buffer. Other artists include Chalet Comellas, Phyllis Davidson, Wendy Dickinson, Lee Lee, Betsy Orbe Lester, Leslie Neumann, and Margaret Steward. An opening reception occurs from 6 to 9 p.m. Sat., Nov. 3. Through Nov. 24, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Wed.-Fri., noon-8 p.m. Sat., 909 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-898-6068, c-emersonfinearts.com.
This article appears in Oct 31 – Nov 6, 2007.