This week the McColl Center for Visual Art’s (a Knight Arts grantee) exhibition “Squared” is drawing to a close. Featuring the work of Injoo Whang and Caitlin Masley, “Squared” examines the symbolic nature of the square.  A gallery reception on Friday July 27th from 6-9 p.m. will mark the end of this interesting, installation-based show.

“Squares 0410” and “Multiples 0510” by Injoo Whang, 2010.

Injoo Whang examines the interconnectedness of the individual to the collective. Each individual square is whole and complete yet part of a larger pattern. Whang’s treatment of the square is perhaps a result of her cross cultural life between the United States and Korea wherein one culture is often characterized as individualistic and the other collective.

Caitlin Masley creates paintings and sculptures that examine topographic landscapes and labyrinths. Her work in “Squared” largely deals with the labyrinth like quality of city architecture. Through layering and subtracting elements of specific structures she explores how we create and erase.

At the reception guests will have the opportunity to participate in a hands-on gallery activity, view the exhibition, and meet with resident artists. The activity prompts visitors to draw a geometric pattern on a small square piece of paper and add it to a grid like installation, contributing to the collective. This Friday also marks the end of several artists’ residencies, including Jackie Chang, James Collins, Evan Danchenka, Kellie Jones, Andrea Vail, Pamela Winegard and JoAnn Sieburg-Baker.

The McColl Center for Visual Art: 721 N. Tryon St., Charlotte; 704-332-5535; www.mccollcenter.org. Open from 2-7 p.m, Thursday-Friday; 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday; or by appointment.