ROSALYN DREXLER: WHO DOES SHE THINK SHE IS? A retrospective of paintings, collages (pictured: “The Defenders’’), sculptures, and writings by the pioneering pop and political artist, who was also a playwright and novelist. Through June 5. Rose Art Museum, Waltham. 781-736-3434, www.brandeis.edu/rose

INVENTORY: NEW WORKS AND CONVERSATIONS AROUND AFRICAN ART A smart, satisfying show of contemporary African art recently acquired by the Hood, including photographs, sculpture, and painting from across the continent, organized by curator Ugochukwu-Smooth C. Nzewi. Through March 13. Hood Museum of Art, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire. 603-646-2808, www.hoodmuseum. dartmouth.edu

ANN HIRSCH A small show of video works, as well as a disturbing chatroom conversation re-created as an iPad app, by the audacious, self-revealing artist, who toys with sexual politics and the borders between reality and artifice, participating in a reality-TV dating show and generally playing the role of a “famewhore.’’ Through Feb. 21. List Visual Arts Center. 617-253-4680. listart.mit.edu

DRAWING REDEFINED: RONI HORN, ESTHER KLAES, JOELLE TUERLINCKX, RICHARD TUTTLE, AND JORINDE VOIGT Ideas of drawing are extended into sculpture, photography, and other media by this quintet of contemporary artists. Through March 20. DeCordova Sculpture Park and Museum, Lincoln. 781-259-8355, www.decor dova.orgSEBASTIAN SMEE

Sebastian Smee can be reached at ssmee@globe.com.