visual arts

Local visual artist Narvicto DeJesus grew up in the company of a large cast of fictional characters. He laughed along with the adventures of Calvin and Hobbes, raised an eyebrow at the dramatics of Marvel superheroes and won gold stars with the beloved eponymous explorer in Super Mario 64. Now, the artist has created his own cast of characters that represent deep-seated emotions and his Puerto Rican background.

“American Watercolors, 1880–1990: Into the Light,” the beguiling exhibition on view at the Harvard Art Museums through Aug. 13, rewards multiple visits. Adding to the joy, admission to the museum, at 32 Quincy Street off Harvard Square, is now free to all.

For one weekend this month, Dorchester’s explosive artistic talent overflows from historic brick buildings around the neighborhood.

Lyle Ashton Harris returns to New England for his first solo show in over two decades with an exhibition at the Rose Art Museum at Brandeis University. “Lyle Ashton Harris: Our first and last love” examines his 35-year career through the lens of a dynamic new series of work.

“Frank Bowling’s Americas,” on view at the Museum of Fine Arts Boston through April 9, 2023, highlights a specific and prolific period of the dynamic British artist’s career.

A powerful new Latinx figure has joined the Roxbury community, depicted in a new mural “Pa*Lante” by local artist Rixy on the side of a residential building at 301 Highland St.

Isabella Stewart Gardner’s legacy is one of innovation in her time. “Metal of Honor,” running at the Gardner Museum through Jan. 16, 2023, illustrates an eye for artistic importance both in her longstanding collection and in works she might collect if she were alive today.

Sculptor Claudia Comte erected a series titled “Five Marble Leaves,” along the Boston waterfront, inspired by the 24 pin and red oak trees in Central Wharf Park.

Forty professional artists and a collection of youth artists reflect on the importance of childhood in “To Begin Again: Artists and Childhood,” running at the Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston Oct. 6 through Feb. 26

Boston Center for the Arts (BCA) Studio Residency Artist Karmimadeebora McMillan is breaking new ground, physically and artistically. McMillan is the first artist in residence to exhibit in the Project Room space, and the Mills Gallery itself has been closed for several years. “Project Room No. 1: Karmimadeebora McMillan” brings the space back with a collection of vibrant and probing works.

Twelve paintings by artist Wendy Red Star debuted at 50 bus shelters around Boston on August 10. Part of a multi-city tour of the artist’s work, “Travels Pretty” features new pieces specifically designed for the in-transit exhibition space.

“A Place for Me: Figurative Painting Now,” on view through September 5 at the Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston, presents 40 works by eight contemporary artists, four men and four women. Most are individuals of color or self-described as queer.