Panopticon Gallery has kind of a weird set up — part of it is essentially a hallway in the Hotel Commonwealth. But it makes for an interesting viewing experience; everyone milling about gives the sense that we’re all waiting for something to happen, something grand because you’re standing in the hallway of an elegant hotel.
Their current exhibition, W-O-R-D-P-L-A-Y, delivered some powerful images, mostly black and white photos, though there were also some colorful multi-media pieces. The exhibition was an examination of text, both found and created, in the world. 
Randall Armour (Above two) caught my eye with his photographs of words in wide open spaces. The text hangs seemingly in the middle of nowhere, providing a stark contrast that leads your focus to the words.
Jim Fitts provided a pop of color with his collages. His pieces present text within the plethora of shapes and sizes we see running through our hands everyday.
Shannon McDonald’s “Chalk Board” series is a set of mixed media works. They definitely set themselves apart from the rest of the show through the use of a different medium and bold color. Many of the pieces implored the viewer to fill in the blank within a given phrase.
I liked Bill Franson’s piece “Garden” because I thought it provided an interesting look at one of my favorite places in Boston.
Besides those highlights, there are also stellar pieces from artists Frank Armstrong, Abelardo Morell, Samuel Quinn, Mimi Youn, Stephen Sheffield, Rachel Phillips, Glen Scheffer, Nikki Segarra and Eva Timothy.
W-O-R-D-P-L-A-Y runs through June 9. The show is definitely something to get down to Kenmore and see.
