Though Polish-born German painter Justine Otto looks to the cosmos when she needs to name a new exhibition, she doesn’t focus her work on planetary behavior. Surreal and slightly disturbing in nature, the kaleidoscopic works displayed in Otto’s “Hyder Flares” show at the Goethe-Institut captivate with bright colors and distorted figures. Observation becomes a key part of this show: In the scene painting “Fourth Corner” (pictured), a mother sits on her bed, staring off into nothingness while her children, who look like the product of a thalidomide overdose, watch over her shoulder. Read more >>> The exhibition is on view Mondays through Thursdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Fridays 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Goethe-Institut Washington, 812 7th St. NW. Free. (202) 289-1200. washington.goethe.org. (Jordan-Marie Smith)

EAT THIS

The Airedale opens in Columbia Heights today serving Belgian, French, and German food. Look out for a Monte Cristo (deep fried croque monsieur with powdered sugar and Lambrusco wine jelly) as well as bratwursts, fish and chips, poutine, and more. Don’t miss the Old Overholt whiskey soft-serve for dessert. Read more on Young & Hungry. The Airedale, 3605 14th St. NW. (Jessica Sidman)

OH AND ALSO

Nashville-based vocalist Adia Victoria brings her mournful songs to DC9 for a headlining gig tonight. Local indie-folk performer Annie Stokes opens the show. 9 p.m. at 1940 9th St. NW. $10–$12.

Lively local rock act the Cowards Choir performs one of its last shows before percussionists Ben Tufts and Adam Neubauer move on tonight at the Black Cat Backstage with Cincinnati’s Coconut Milk and Baltimore’s SuperCity. 7:30 p.m. at 1811 14th St. NW. $10.

As part of Transformer’s E12: Social Practice Lab exhibition, artist Joseph Orzal launches his “Liberation Station” with a discussion of his work. Find more details on Facebook. 6 p.m. at 1404 P St. NW. Free.

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