‘Two on Paper’ at Jack Fischer Gallery

Like many galleries that once resided at 49 Geary, Jack Fischer fled rising rents late last year for what the emerging cultural area gallerists are dubbing Potrero Flats.

Powell is “still under the radar, but his work is fabulous,” says Fischer of the San Francisco Art Institute graduate, who uses found book boards and cut-out paper doll costumes as a point of departure for fanciful characters that are ornately rendered yet surprisingly exposed.

“I find the contrast between the innocence of the paper doll costumes and the edge of the drawings’ sexuality really fascinating,” says Fischer.

Since an early show at San Francisco’s Luggage Store Gallery, Powell has gained attention for his drawings and collages, and now splits his time between New York and Nevada City.

Borcherding’s images, rendered on fragile found paper, prompt reflections on mortality, whether the subject is an antique dress, a bird’s skeleton or a nest of foxes.