Art watch: The Jack Fischer Gallery

Where: 49 Geary St., Suite 440, San Francisco

Why it's worth a visit: The Jack Fischer Gallery (nope, not me, although our names are the same the thought of opening a gallery has crossed my mind) is the only one in the Bay Area to specialize in self-taught and so-called “outsider” artists. This sort of work, done by everyone from psychiatric patients to those who just happen to have an original vision, has been hot in recent years. It's pure stuff -- no art theories or calculations here, just an outpouring of creative energy. Contemporary Art Brut. So it's all about Fischer's eye, which usually is very good. Plus, the work can be less expensive than other contemporary art (which the gallery also shows when it seems to fit the mood of the “outsider” work).

The current show: John Hundt: Collages

When: Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., through May 20.

Expect to spend: A half hour. This is the tiniest gallery in a building full of galleries. You can probably walk across it in two giant steps.

More information: (415) 956-1178, www.jackfischergallery.com. Be sure to click on the artists link for a good sense of what this is all about.

And while you're there: Walk through the rest of the building for a range of artwork at other galleries and the odd used bookstore.

-- (The other) Jack Fischer
The columnist is the Mercury
News art writer.

Collages by artist John Hundt are on display at Jack Fischer Gallery, which specializes in self-taught or “outsider” artists. below: “The Pope” mixed media on found paper, “Witch Doctor” and then there is “Curse of Deviations” watercolor on found paper.

“The Pope” mixed media on found paper

“Witch Doctor” mixed media on found paper

“Curse of Deviations” watercolor on found paper

Back to John Hundt.