Picture if you can sculpted figures with the strength and sensuality of a Rodin, but not idealized in any way - realistic sculptures of people who may be a little overweight or less than movie-star beautiful, in natural but perhaps awkward poses with faces that register pain. Now imagine they are people of African descent rendered in brown clay and coated, partially or wholly, with glistening white rock salt. That is what sculptor Aisha Harrison is showing at Susan Christian's Salon Refu in Olympia.

Harrison's vision of humanity in clay walks a tightrope between realism and surrealism. The figures are engaging, and many of them are eerie. They are sure to ignite an emotional spark.

This is one of the better shows I've seen all year.

Read Alec Clayton's full review of Aisha Harrison's sculpture in the Music and Culture section.

SCULPTURE BY AISHA HARRISON, noon to 6 p.m., through Oct. 27, Salon Refu, 114 N. Capitol Way, Olympia, 360.280.3540

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