Photo exhibits play around with reality

“Animal Identity” and “Sylvania; No. 37,” at Gallery Stokes and the Opal Gallery respectively, are photo shows in which things are not what we think they are.

The month of Atlanta Celebrates Photography always brings us new discoveries and happy accidents like this thematic crossover.

At Stokes, Rose Barron goes the route of theatrical setups of people in animal masks, allegories of the animal within. “Evil Bunny,” a menacing figure in a rabbit mask watching an unmasked young woman, is easily the creepiest example.

Barron’s co-exhibitor, Carol Fox, presents what look like wonderfully natural shots of wildlife until you notice the plastic wrap on an animal, or the patterned ceiling above the swimming fish. The disassembled museum dioramas complement the strangely arranged squirrels taxidermied in Wisconsin.

After the artifice at Stokes, it seems like a relief to encounter what looks like everyday reality in Nicole Akstein’s Opal Gallery photos of Mike and Garry’s trailer in New Jersey.

But Akstein’s exuberant appearance in their lives shades off into odd doings, from front yard frolics to mutual grooming sessions. What, exactly, was this young woman up to with these two 50-something guys?

It would be a shame to spoil the surprise by telling you. Go find out for yourself. It will be worth it.

THE 411: “Animal Identity” through Oct. 18. 12-6 p.m. Friday, 1-5 p.m. Saturday. Gallery Stokes, 261 Walker St. S.W., Atlanta. 678-770-7812. www.gallerystokes.com

“Sylvania; No. 37” through Oct. 31. 12-7 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays. The Opal Gallery, 484 B-2 Moreland Ave. N.E., Atlanta. 678-717-8890. www.theopalgallery.com