PROOF READ: AN EXHIBITION ON HOW BOSTON ART REVIEW CONFIRMS COMMUNITY BOSTON ART BOOK FAIR 2023

There’s no better proof of life for a cultural milieu than a vibrant conversation in and among its community. For more than five years, the Boston Art Review, an independent quarterly magazine and website, has been the convener of that conversation for the local art scene, a publication devoutly both about and of its vibrant, grassroots world. This show is a walk-through of the

magazine’s mechanics — how it evolves from idea to assignment to chunky printed-paper tome — but its spirit lifts off the pages as an embodiment of how a community sees itself. Through Nov. 16. Arnheim Gallery, MassArt, South Hall, 1st floor, 621 Huntington Ave. 617-879-7550, massart.edu/galleries/arnheim-gallery.

LIKE MAGIC A great irony of our moment is that in this world of data-driven certainties, reality has become more difficult to define than ever, and the sophisticated tools given to us by science — by definition, fact-based — have been torqued in realms like social media to ever more distorting effect. Seeking refuge in the hazy realm of spiritual concoction is as old as uncertainty itself, and this show’s 10 artists look for solace with such mystic tools as healing earth, witches’ brooms, divination, and, yes, AI, to name a few. Ongoing. Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art, 1040

Mass MoCA Way, North Adams. 413-662-2111, www.massmoca.org

MURRAY WHYTE

The fifth edition of the Boston

Art Book Fair brings together more than 140 exhibitors including artists, publishers, bookmakers, and galleries. The event kicks off with a ticketed preview party on Friday night, Nov. 10. Over the weekend, there’s an interactive cut-paper animation by GIF-OGRAF and free public programs and workshops (registration necessary) in the Black Box Theatre. Masks are required on Sunday from noon to 2 p.m. Nov. 11 (noon to 7 p.m.) and Nov. 12 (noon to 5 p.m.). Free. Boston Center for the Arts Cyclorama, 539 Tremont St. https://bostonartbookfair.com/