Warholian Moments: Artists' Meditations on 15 Minutes of Fame

The sentiment behind all the exhibitions of recent grads' work this summer is not lost on us: Forward-looking, progressive galleries that recognize fresh viewpoints and encourage local artists make up the bedrock of the arts.

But we have to admit, we've been nearly glassy-eyed trying to make sense of the wide range of voices -- and talent -- represented.

From some shows, including Irvine Contemporary's "Introductions 2" (bachelor's and master's grads), we've been able to embrace only a piece or two. Is it that the rest weren't any good? Not at all. It's just that few were able to rise above the yard-sale curation.

Then the newbie in the D.C. galleries scene, Project 4 , got in on the game with a show that features young mid-Atlantic artists in a very modest but cohesive effort called "15 Minutes." The five artists featured, all 2006 master's of fine arts recipients, offered works using paint, charcoal and printmaking, all playing off Andy Warhol's quote, "In the future, everyone will be world-famous for 15 minutes."

The result, a showcase that doesn't overstretch or oversell, layers the more transparent criticisms of the culture of fame (Marc Alain's collages with celeb photos) with humor and even reverence (Phillip Adams's Alan Greenspan in "Brother Can You Spare a Dime").

Free. Today noon to 6 p.m. Wednesday-Friday 2-6 p.m. Through Sept. 9. 903 U St. NW. 202-232-4340.

-- Lavanya Ramanathan