Downtown this Saturday, both Space 4 Art and Helmuth Projects are promising a cerebral weekend featuring openings with works that range from dark and dense to illuminative and rhythmic.

Starting at 6pm, Space 4 Art will present Jamais Vu, featuring the work of accomplished Los Angeles artists, Michelle Carla Handel and Michael Arata, and locally renowned artist, Ernest Silva. Carefully selected works of sculpture, photos, and paintings will transfix viewers into a state of paramnesia or Jamais Vu which is a disorder of memory characterized by the illusion that the familiar is being encountered for the first time. Studios will also be open at this time, along with live onstage multimedia performances and of course, refreshments.

Nearby at Helmuth Projects, from 6-10pm imported artists Colin Tuis Nesbit and Bill Conger will debut The Strawberry Thief, their mysterious and multilayered exhibit. Named after 19th Century textile artist William Morris’ wallpaper pattern of the same name, this show intends to capture a moment in time wherein sculptural objects curated by Conger will enhance the experience of Morris’ pattern within a light-based work that attempts to recreate the visual sensation of moonlight as engineered by Nesbit.

Intrigued? You’re not the only one. Both shows promise mind-bending experiences atypical of your average art opening. For more information visit their sites at sdspace4art.org and helmuth-projects.com

Jamais Vu - http://facebook.com/events/292418710864725/
Space 4 Art is located at 325 15th Street San Diego, CA 92101.

The Strawberry Thief - http://facebook.com/events/288413841258490/
Helmuth Projects is located at 920 E Street, Suite 103 San Diego, CA 92101.