"My current work is an exploration into the primal forces of repetition and recognition of pattern," said Alvey. "Repetition is essential. Our social evolution is woven pattern. We are repetition."

Alvey's "Repetition 35" (mixed media on canvas, 36 by 60 inches), at Phillips, is one of several large works that illustrate the artist's concept of repetitive patterns.

The exhibit will also have installations, such as "Nuts and Bolts of Wisdom."

"I put together these really heavy iron grids and then this ethereal light tent, a blue tent that's like knowledge. It's the spiritual aspect of the piece. The real tangible, everyday life is the iron grid. I really enjoy putting dichotomous materials, textures and concepts together."

While Alvey's work is occasionally difficult to get your mind around, it is never visually boring; in fact, it exists for our enjoyment and to make us think and eventually act.

"Understanding the primordial satisfaction of finding reoccurrence in everything we see and experience is what has sustained humans since our beginning," said Alvey. "The sun rising, the tide repeating, the seasons returning, the breathing of our bodies, the simple act of walking — all have sustained our trust and given us comfort that we will prevail another day."

If you go

What: Propensity Repetition: Paintings & Installation by Trent Thursby Alvey

Where: Phillips Gallery, 444 E. 200 South

When: Through Nov. 10

Gallery hours: Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

How much: Free

Phone: 364-8284

Web: www.phillips-gallery.com

For more information on Alvey's art, especially her trip to Africa, visit www.trentthursbyalvey.com.

E-mail: gag@desnews.com