A long time ago, I worked in a federal water polution virology research laboratory for the Summer. I learned about viruses, micoplasmas, cell lines, logrithmic titrations, nanopore filters, and sewage in rivers. The most important thing I learned was the inevitability of zoonotic pandemics that would make a dent in the human population. Covid is making a dent, but there are certainly viruses with higher fatality rates, known viruses, and viruses yet to evolve. Viruses are the perfect example of Dawkins' Selfish Gene. We live in the biosphere and we are not immune from it.
I think the human response has been quite good; of course there is room for improvement! We were accidentially lucky that the Bedford Lab and the Seattle Flu Study quickly isolated and sequenced the virus. We were lucky Moderna was already far down the road on mRNA vaccine development. There has been a great outpouring of compassion throughout the world. And the vaccine development was unprecedented.
As for the theories around the Wuhan Lab, it does not matter, because there will always be another zoonotic pandemic in the future.
Now is the time to resume in-person life with the learning we have gained.
Gellery Fourteen30 Contemporary has curated an outstanding show in an outstanding space, Bitter cherry, Bleeding heart. It is in a private residence in Aurora and viewable by appointment. The artists are Joanna Bloom, Iván Carmona, Melanie Flood, John Houck, Jessica Jackson Hutchins, Rainen Knecht, Chris Johanson, Elizabeth Malaska, Lynne Woods Turner and Maya Vivas. It is a collaboration with NO ARCHITECTURE, who designed and built the Courtyard House and surrounding garden. By Fourteen30 Contemporary, the first of two members in Portland of the New Art Dealers Alliance www.newartdealers.org, Fourteen30 Gallery www.fourteen30.com Private visit reservations June 12 – August 15 are available by emailing info@fourteen30.com
In a Landscape piano recitals have resumed. Principal Hunter Noack brings a full size grand piano, and guest artists, to parks and gardens throughout the region. The season runs from June 17 to September 11. Advance tickets are required, the concerts use "silent disco" wireless headphones, and their number is limited. Bring a blanket or sand chairs, or wander as you like throughout the concert. The dates and tickets are listed at www.inalandscape.org/ and many of the events are free or by donation.
We can't catch up every gallery show that has reopened for normal visits. But the new show at Oregon Contemporary - Oregon Center for Contemporary Art, nee Disjecta, is worth a visit. Borrowing some Louise Bourgeois sculptures is a mark of their new ardor. While you are there, you can buy an open edition print by Portland's Arvie Smith for a bargain price of $25. In the same building, Well Well Projects has an ambitious show by Hyun Jung Jung.
