CHARLES DESMARAIS’ ART PICKS
The Matter of Photography in the Americas:
The works of artists from 12 Latin American countries make up this captivating, deeply researched exhibition. Closes April 30. Free. Cantor Arts Center, Stanford University, 328 Lomita Drive at Museum Way, Stanford. (650) 723-4177. http:// museum.stanford.edu
Hiroshi Sugimoto B.C.:
The great Japanese photographer shares his meditations on the past, and on the very idea of time. Closes April 25. Free. Fraenkel Gallery, 49 Geary St., S.F. (415) 981-2661. https://fraenkelgallery.com
Spencer Finch: Me, Myself, and I (A Group Show):
As much an alchemist as an artist, Spencer Finch harnesses the physics of light and color to forge rare perceptual elements. This mini-survey of recent work includes works on paper, sculpture and an installation, but these objects exist only as catalysts. The real art is an experience that can be both physical and emotional. Through May 5. Free. Berggruen Gallery, 10 Hawthorne St., S.F. (415) 781-4629. www.berggruen.com
The Art of Rube Goldberg:
Plan several hours if you hope to fully absorb all of this engaging exhibition. The San Francisco-born Goldberg (18831970) is noted for intricate drawings of complicated solutions to simple problems, and there are scores of original works on view. And that’s only the second half of a long career. Through July 8. $12-$14; free 18 and under. Contemporary Jewish Museum, 736 Mission St., S.F. (415) 655-7800. www.thecjm.org
Cult of the Machine: Precisionism and American Art:
This large exhibition gets a bit repetitive, with picture after picture of mechanical forms seen close up, at skewed angles. Yet there is no denying the visceral charge one still gets from the most invigorating of these images, or the continuing influence of the era (1910-50) on design, architecture and art. Through Aug. 12. $13-$28. De Young Museum, Golden Gate Park, 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive, S.F. (415) 750-3600. http://de young.famsf.org