We all like the work of major talents, especially if we’re not sure what to make of their creations. Peter Simpson has no doubt about a couple local artists whose current shows he’s reviewed on his Big Beat arts blog.

The Dionne's Birthday. Photo courtesy of Genevieve Thauvette.

He’s tickled by Geneviève Thauvette’s photographic show at Dale Smith Gallery, which says a lot because the whole thing is only six pictures. But Simpson sees vision far beyond Thauvette’s 24 years and is impressed by her international pedigree. But he’s most attracted to the fun in her work: “She sees the theatricality of life and casts herself seamlessly into many roles.”

Animal instinct. Photo courtesy of Stefan Thompson.

Stefan Thompson is a different creature, literally as well as figuratively. There’s strong, animal emotion all over the show he has up at Patrick Gordon Framing (plus a sculptural piece at Patrick Mills’ Group Show). Simpson loves the maniacal sense that percolates through Thompson’s creatures: “The birds and other creatures in Thompson’s work do look to be profoundly, strangely, off — perhaps angry, perhaps fearful, but undoubtedly out-of-sorts.”