Phil Bender is back with more of his trademark assemblages.
The veteran Denver artist scours estate sales and back alleys for ordinary, sometimes discarded objects and then groups them into carefully ordered arrangements — giving them new life and new context in the process.
More than 25 of his latest eclectic groupings, encompassing everything from tin toolboxes to Monopoly boards to vintage Halloween masks, are on view in a solo exhibition at Pirate: Contemporary Art, 3655 Navajo St.
Bender’s unique take on the venerable assemblage form might seem simple, even simplistic at first, but these pieces work on a surprising number of levels, drawing on the meaning and history embedded in the objects he finds.
His short-running solo show remains on view 6 to 10 p.m. today and noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Free. 303-458-6058 or . Kyle MacMillan
