WILSHIRE CENTER

Michel Alexis’ abstractions on paper are not as boring as they at first appear to be. And though they derive much of their vocabulary from the likes of Antoni Tapies and Jean Fautrier, they attempt to forge a personal language.

So far, it consists of gray or earth-colored grounds, linear details that may be ridges of pigment or scratched calligraphy, insets of bright pattern and relatively bold, simple shapes that focus attention. Once you really look at this gentle work, you see that it holds together by virtue of an elusive geometric structure and that dull grays often give rise to soft color. It’s competent but not distinguished enough to make a lasting impression. (Ivey Gallery, 154 N. La Brea Ave., to June 5.)