Untitled (Circle Irrigation) 2008, from the series Approximate Landscape courtesy of Christoph Engel

>> If you’re an aerial photography nerd like me then you’ll want to check out Christoph Engel’s exhibit Approximate Landscape, which opened last night at the Goethe-Institut Washington. Golf courses in a barren landscape look like fingers; fields watered by center-pivot irrigators look like sequins and the occasional Pac Man. On the surface these landscapes might look beautiful but there is a dark side to the way humans interact with the land – large swaths of earth being altered and ecosystems getting pushed to the brink of destruction.

>> The Art League in Alexandria will be hosting an opening reception on Thursday for the work of watercolorist Barry D. Lindley. His exhibit Water Marks examines the effects water has on natural and man-made objects. 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. An artist talk will be held on Saturday, March 26 at 1 p.m.

The Art League will also be hosting an opening reception for its exhibit Carnivalé which will feature the work of artists that contain “bright colors, images of natural objects, and symbols signifying rebirth and rejuvenation, and other interpretations of ‘carnival’ combined together in a celebration of life.” Works were judged by David Page and awards will be presented at 7:30 p.m. 6:30 to 8 p.m.