The Irvine Fine Arts Center announces the opening of two spring exhibitions, one exploring the human condition through animal tableaus, and the other revealing complexities found in nature. The exhibitions run concurrently Saturday, February 9–Saturday, March 30. A free reception open to the public is Saturday, February 9, 4–6 p.m.

QUIETUS, located in the Main Gallery and Gallery 2, features the work of Joseph Paul Gerges. Ideas exploring mortality, vulnerability, loss, and survival have become thematic to Gerges’ current body of work. Begun during a period of great adversity in the artist’s life, these delicate anthropomorphic compositions mirror the manifold casualties of human hardship. The prints serve as a tactile visual symbol — a mirror reflecting the innermost strength and determination of the human spirit to overcome and embrace hardship as a means of propelling us forward as our highest selves. There will be an Artist’s Talk and Book Signing with Joseph Paul Gerges on March 9, 3–5 p.m.

Gary Brewer: The Shape of Time — A Ten Year Survey, located in Gallery 1, presents abundantly detailed paintings responding with a sense of awe and wonder to nature’s beauty and exquisite design. In these structures, artist Gary Brewer senses that there is a record of the development of life on Earth — from simple to complex. Brewer searches for rich, complex forms that are fantastic in their intricate detail and design; with these images, he composes paintings that are dynamic and balanced. They are meditations on the mysteries of life and the complex systems that have shaped our world.  

Gallery hours are 10 a.m.–9 p.m. Monday–Thursday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Friday, and 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturday. The opening reception, exhibitions, Artist’s Talk, and parking­ are free. The Irvine Fine Arts Center is located inside Heritage Community Park at 14321 Yale Ave. For more information, visit irvinefinearts.org or call 949-724-6880.