BELLEVUE ART MUSEUM

301 Bellevue Square, Bellevue Mall, 425-454-3322.

*The Self, Absorbed

Curated by BAM director Brian Wallace, a simple self-portrait show this is not, as artists from across the country examine themselves with entirely new concepts in mind like cloning, medical imaging, and cosmetic surgery. Simple and captivating works like photographs and paintings incorporating DNA codes are contrasted with a video tape of an artist who drinks tequila until she passes out, while another artist documents in detail her many plastic surgeries. Way to shake up those Eastsiders, Brian. A few of the artists included are Chuck Close, Harriet Casdin-Silver, Denise Marika, and Do-Hoh Suh. Through Nov 9.

BAGLEY WRIGHT

407 Dexter Ave N, 264-8200.

The Wright Collection

Virginia and Bagley Wright have rehung their foundation's exhibit space, devoting one gallery entirely to their great collection of '60s and '70s color field paintings and introducing a large David Salle oil and the John Baldessari piece Two Onlookers and Tragedy to the mix. Other highlights of their collection include a Robert Longo, Eric Fischl, a huge Warhol Rorschach, and Jules Olitski's Thigh Smoke. Open-ended run.

CENTER ON CONTEMPORARY ART

65 Cedar, 728-1980.

Dusk

CoCA goes goth. Curated by Chicago artist Kim Collmer and De Kwok of Seattle's Milky World Gallery, the show focuses on the contemporary recontextualization of gothic tradition. The show is photography-heavy, including documentation of the L.A. goth scene by Mike Kelly and Cameron Jaime, sci-fi manipulated photos by Veronika Bromova, and Alexander Osbourne's photos of trend-setting bands like Bauhaus. This show isn't all black makeup and gore -- there is certainly an element of humor that runs through it. Through Dec 18.

CONSOLIDATED WORKS

410 Terry Ave N, 381-3218.

ArtiFIcial Life

The visual arts component of this new multidisciplinary arts space opens with a group show exploring various definitions of the theme Artificial Life. A large installation by Sandy Skoglund is the show's centerpiece, with hundreds of fluttering butterflies the backdrop of a jellybean covered scene. Other highlights include an installation of cloned cast-resin sheep by Lauren Grossman, Shawn Wolfe's simultaneously technophobic and technophilic paintings and video, and Jim Rittiman's disturbing skeletons, which he conjures by mixing pieces of real insects, reptiles, and other animals. Through Nov 28.

HENRY ART GALLERY

15th Ave NE at NE 41st St, 543-2280.

Gilles Barbier

Clones is being presented as part of Cote Ouest, a series of exhibitions by contemporary French artists on view in venues along the West Coast this fall, and features lifelike wax self-portraits capturing various aspects of Barbier's persona. There are naughty, playful clones, resourceful clones, and clones that juggle the difficult job of daily living. To sum it all up, Trans-schizophrenic Anatomy is a wax cast of his bald head carved with a diagram of Barbier's divided consciousness. Through Jan 2.

What It Meant to be Modern, Seattle Art at Mid-Century

Over 100 works including sculpture, paintings, and works on paper exploring the art and influence of a specific group of regional artists tagged by Life Magazine in 1953 as the "Mystic Painters of the Northwest," which included Guy Anderson, Kenneth Callahan, Morris Graves, and Mark Tobey. The exhibition follows the evolution of the "Northwest School" of artists from 1932 to 1962 and contextualizes their work with other national and international movements. Through Jan 23.

Nordic Heritage Museum

3014 NW 67th, 789-5707.

Vebjorn Sand

This traveling exhibition of works by a prominent Norwegian contemporary artist includes paintings and renderings from major installations, a 16-foot steel replica of Leonardo da Vinci's Golden Horn Bridge, and a series of extraordinarily rich paintings. Through Nov 16.

SEATTLE ART MUSEUM

100 University St, 654-3100.

An American Century of Photography: From

Drypoint to Digital

An important exhibition of works from the Hallmark Photographic Collection examining important artists from Edward Muybridge to Aaron Siskind to Sandy Skoglund, and the advancement of photographic techniques throughout this century. Through Jan 9.

Anselm Kiefer and Germanic Tradition

Paintings, works on paper, and sculpture bring contemporary German works into focus. Kiefer, born at the end of WWII, balances visually powerful imagery with intellectual critical analysis in highly dramatic paintings. Works by Max Beckmann, Rosemarie Trockel, and others. Through Dec 5.

SEATTLE ASIAN ART MUSEUM

1400 E Prospect St, Volunteer Park, 654-3100.

Explore Korea: A Visit to Grandfather's House

A presentation of a traditional Korean home, where visitors can explore both interior and exterior spaces hands-on.

Modern Masters of Kyoto

Works by late 19th- and early 20th-century artists from Kyoto round out the programming for SAAM's "Year of Japan." This collection is owned by Northwest residents Griffith and Patricia Way and contains more than 80 examples of Kyoto-school nihonga -- modern Japanese paintings executed in traditional media formats. Through Feb 13.

Worlds of Fantasy: Chinese Shadow Puppets

Volunteer Park hosts more than 70 puppets from the 19th century. The majority of the exhibited works come from the collection of Theodore Bodde, who purchased the extraordinary objects while in Beijing in the 1930s. Chinese textiles with related themes will accompany. Through April 2, 2000.

TACOMA ART MUSEUM

1123 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, 253-272-4258.

New Religion

A perfect show in anticipation of the end of the millennium. A look at works with religious allegory at their foundation, including everything from Donald Roller Wilson's hysterically irreverent, yet technically remarkable costumed animal paintings to the tattoo-style renderings of Don Ed Hardy. Other artists include Melissa Weinman, Kathleen Jesse, Kathleen Fruge-Brown, Jon Swihart, Mark Ryden, Tom Uttech, and more. Through Nov 7.

WING LUKE ASIAN MUSEUM

407 Seventh Ave S, 623-5124.

A Different Battle

An exhibit that explores the stories of Asian Pacific American (APA) veterans who served in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Grenada Invasion, and the Persian Gulf War. The stories are conveyed through written text, audio, and video components that are divided into two sections -- how the military and combat shaped the lives of these veterans, and how it has affected the lives of individuals, families, and communities of future generations. Through April 9, 2000.

OPENINGS

JIMMY ANDERSON

A collection of stark black-and-white photos of Alcatraz Island. Art Not Terminal, 2045 Westlake Ave, 233-0680. Sat Nov 6 through Dec 2.

ARTHUR AUBRY/JOHNINE MAJCHROWICZ

Aubry's Post is an austere collection of black and white photos documenting Hanford. Majchrowicz presents sensitively rendered drawings on panel of plants and flowers. Esther Claypool Gallery, 617 Western Ave, 264-1586. Thurs Nov 4 through Nov 27.

*DRAWING SPACE

A show exploring works with strong linear elements featuring Laurie Chambers, Victoria Haven, Robert Jones, Robert Yoder, and D.E. May, curated by Beth Sellars. George Suyama Space, 2324 Second Ave, 256-0809. Fri Nov 5 though Jan 7.

*KAREN GANZ

Ganz has a new gallery. In her first showing she continues her use of comic figures reminiscent of cartoon characters from the 1940s. Life isn't easy in her works, and these characters are often depicted with the weight of the world on their shoulders. Her bold use of colors combined with the thick paint and bold ink defining the figures gives Ganz's work a pop quality -- with a touch of grit. Grover Thurston Gallery, 309 Occidental Ave S, 223-0816. Thurs Nov 4 through Nov 27.

KATHRYN GLOWEN/JUAN ALONSO

Architecture of Language by Glowen consists of two- and three-dimensional works comparing and contrasting the structure of language and the building of physical structures. New paintings of exotic flower forms by Alonso. Francine Seders Gallery, 6701 Greenwood Ave N, 782-0355. Fri Nov 5 through Nov 28.

GAYLEN HANSEN

Big, rich, thick narrative paintings by a Northwest master. Linda Hodges Gallery, 410 Occidental Ave S, 624-3034. Thurs Nov 4 through Nov 27.

*MATTHEW LANDKAMMER

A new group of canvases utilizing alkyd mediums and strips of tissue paper. Lankammer's delicate, linear works are graceful and inventive. The edges of the works curve toward the wall and are painted a rich color that glows off the wall, creating a kind of aura for each work. Oculus Gallery, 163 S Jackson. Thurs Nov 4 through Nov 27.

SHRINKY DINK ART EXHIBITION

I made charms for my charm bracelet out of Shrinky Dinks as a child. Now, Seattle artists are cutting loose, creating tiny works that will be auctioned off to benefit the Langston Hughes Cultural Arts Center. Zeitgeist Art & Coffee, 161 S Jackson, 583-0497. Thurs Nov 4 through Nov 27.

*MARK TAKAMICHI MILLER

Four large acid-colored abstract paintings. Takamichi is a great painter, and these psychedelic works explode with force and ooze with energy. Frankly, I think they're a perfect combination of sexy and tacky. Howard House, 2017 Second Ave, 256-6399. Wed Nov 3 through Nov 27.

PETER MILLETT/WILLIAM WEGMAN

Millett's new body of elegant geometric sculptures are made from cleanly cut cross-sections of steel pipe. Also included in the exhibition are wood sculptures painted or stained earthy muted tones. When he's not in the studio shooting his dogs, Wegman likes to draw and paint on photographic prints. This is the second showing of his altered works at Kucera. Greg Kucera Gallery, 212 Third Ave S, 624-0770. Thurs Nov 4 through Dec 15.

NEW MEMBERS SHOW

Featuring works by new SOIL members Ryan Berg, Mandy Greer, Jennifer Heishman, Jesse Paul Miller and John Seal. SOIL, 310 First Ave S, 264-8061. Thurs Nov 4 through Nov 30.

*MARION PECK/DRAKE DEKNATEL

Two painters I adore. Peck honors objects and trends dear to our hearts in the 1970s. Her work is always witty and fresh without a shred of pretension. Deknatel's gestural abstract works always begin with a figure study and deconstruct to the point of no return. Deknatel paints -- really paints. Davidson Gallery, 313 Occidental Ave S, 624-4588. Thurs Nov 4 through Nov 27.

CLAUDIA REINHARDT

Shot like a photo layout in an ultra-hip rag like Wallpaper, these photos are raw and enticing. The subject matter is most often about gender and sexuality. This Berlin photographer's work has been published internationally in publications like I-D Magazine. The Pound Gallery, 1216 10th Ave, 323-0557. Sat Nov 6 through Nov 30.

KEN SHIMIZU

Photographs of people in villages around the Amazon taken on the artist's recent visit to Brazil. RAW Gallery, 409 Seventh Ave S, 340-1445. Thurs Nov 4 through Nov 21.

TAKE MY PICTURE

Check out the exhibit and then come back for the fund-raiser. Fifty artists have donated works, and at the end of the month 100 tickets will be sold for $100 each. Each ticket holder will get to pick a piece off the wall as their number is drawn -- everyone wins. Photographic Center Northwest, 900 12th Ave, 720-7222. Wed Nov 3 through Nov 20.

KATI TOIVANEN

Multi-layered photographs telling subtle yet complex visual stories. FotoCircle Gallery, 163 S Jackson St, 624-2645. Thurs Nov 4 through Nov 27.

ELLEN ZEIGLER

Exploring the relationship between the physical and spiritual world, Zeigler's environment is truly exotic. Cascading black bells, running water, dried fish and fruit, bright flowers.... Zeigler's work isn't at all akin to the mixed-media shrine craze from the early 1990s, but rather a sophisticated, refined, clean vision of a meditative environment. King County Art Gallery, 506 Second Ave, Room 200, 296-7580. Thurs Nov 4 through Nov 26.

CONTINUING EXHIBITS

A FRESH LOOK AT AN OLD WORLD

An exhibition of prints from students, former students, and faculty from the world renowned Academy of Fine Art in Wroclaw, Poland. It's an excellent opportunity to see what contemporary artists in Eastern Europe are up to. Techniques represented include mezzotint, drypoint, engraving, linocut, and etching with prints varying in size from postage-stamp to window-size. Fine Impressions Gallery, 7714 Greenwood Ave N, 784-5270. Through Nov 6.

EFRAIN ALMEIDA

I wasn't expecting a show filled with delicate craft at James Harris, but the work is sublime. This is the first U.S. solo show by this internationally exhibiting Brazilian artist. A wall installation of 35 carved hummingbirds stands out as the centerpiece of the show. Francesca Pastine shows paintings in the project room. James Harris Gallery, 309A Third Ave S, 903-6220. Through Nov 6.

AN ALL METAL VENUE

Eight artists show work in metal, from Brandon Zebold's four-yard-long sculpture to Jan Smith's miniature vignettes in brooch form. Madrona Automatic, 1435 34th Ave, 329-7869. Through Nov 14.

ART ABOUT MUSIC

Artwork with music as subject matter, featuring Weldon Butler, Joe Max Emminger, Mary Flynn-Gillies, Gene Gentry McMahon, Linda Okazaki, Lois Silver, and Chuck Smart. SAM Rental/Sales Gallery, 1334 First Ave, Suite 140, 654-3183. Through Nov 27.

KARA COSTA

Erotic Narratives is a solo show of 53 photographic works on three different themes in three different formats. Includes 40" x 40" color photographs of sexy housewife pinup girls, b&w girl on girl erotica, b&w and infrared photos of a 12 month calendar boy spoof, and work from the series, "Film Stills from the Porno: The Lady John." ARO.space, 925 E Pike, 320-0424. Through Nov 6.

DIPTYCH: MILLENNIUM PROJECTS

Works in a variety of media exploring the broad concept of what has changed in the last 1,000 years. LEAD Gallery, 1022 First Ave, 623-6240. Through Nov 26.

WILLIAM HERBERHOLZ

In his show Prints/Porno, Herberholz mixes subject matter from Tijuana Bibles, beefcake photography, and George Grosz in a stew of high and low references. Two Bells Tavern, 2313 Fourth Ave, 441-3050. Through Dec 1.

*SIMON LARBALESTIER

88299 is the first U.S. retrospective exhibition of this British photographer known for his Pixies CD cover art. This is a multimedia exhibition full of photographs from the last 12 years, a CD-ROM portfolio, and two websites. It is a unique opportunity to trace Larbalestier's work from lush, atmospheric narratives to his recent lonely, minimal landscapes. Houston, 907 E Pike St, 860-7820. Through Nov 28.

LUX AQUA PURA

A unique month-long video installation by Marianna Haniger sponsored by 911 Media Arts Center, in the water tower at Volunteer Park. Viewers encounter a digital waterfall projected downward from the trusses onto the double stairway that winds around the center core to the top. Volunteer Park, the water tower, daily from noon to 6 pm. Through Nov 22.

BEN MAHMOUD

Very skillfully rendered surreal paintings that present still life elements as if they are being carefully collected and archived. Text within the composition either supports or confounds the relationship between the objects. Ballard Fetherston Gallery, 818 E Pike St, 322-9440. Through Dec 22.

MIKE NIPPER

In Nipper's abstract oil paintings layers of lighter paint on top of deep colors, along with grid-like linear qualities, combine to create a map-like landscape. Still Life Coffee-house, 709 N 35th, 547-9850. Through Dec 6.

ANN ROBINSON

A solo exhibition of new cast glass sculpture entitled Adrift. Robinson hails from New Zealand and has left her previous focus on vessels and created a new body of more organic forms inspired by her native environment. Elliott Brown Gallery, 619 North 35th St #101A, 547-9740. Through Nov 13.

*GEORGE STOLL

The first solo exhibition in Seattle for this respected Los Angeles artist contains work from his latest series that continues his fascination with household objects -- this time the sponge. Past obsessions have included Tupperware and toilet paper. Delicate and ephemeral, Stoll's burned balsa wood and alkyd sponges, and minimal pencil drawings, avoid preciousness and hit home with a sense of modesty and simple allure. Winston-Wächter Fine Art, 403 Dexter Ave N, 652-5855. Through Nov 27.

EVENTS

William Wegman

I heard Wegman speak last time he was in town and found him funny and genuine. He knows that what he does is simply take really good pictures of dogs, and he likes to talk about it. One of his photos is included in An American Century of Photography at SAM. Seattle Art Museum, Wed Nov 10, 7 pm.