Construct/Re-Construct is a visual group show curated by Rhoda London. Artists include Josh Arseneau, Francesca Berrini, John Brodie, Tiffany Lee Brown, Clare Carpenter, Cathy Cleaver, Nancy Cushwa, Kristina DiTullo, Tore Djupedal, David Hacker, Helen Heibert, Harrison Higgs, Scott Wayne Indiana, James Jack, Horatio Law, Todd Leninger, Seth Nehil, Liz Obert, Kelly Rauer, Anya Shapiro, Benjamin Stagl, Andy Stout, Robert Wilhelm, Karen Willey, Linda Wysong. It is in the St Johns warehouse formerly occupied by Columbia Sportswear before they moved to th suburbs, Initially offered for lease to artists at $.25 per square foot month, it is what Portland needs more of.
In the Cathedral Park art warehouse megaplex. 6635 N Baltimore 5-8pm Free
Butoh is not for everyone. This butoh is not beginner's butoh either. I am not big into noise dark improv, but it has its adherents here. The musical lineup tonight is dark chaos and noise. Musical performers include A Minority of One, Sleeping With the Earth, Redbird, Critical Theatre, Cult of Zir. The butoh interest is Briana Chittenden performing with musician Poet Noise Body, who, despite the name, is more of an electroacoustic improviser. Chittenden's angular movement is not afraid of risk. It is fascinating and challenging, maybe like Hijikata's. He was the originator of the form.
At ROTTURE 315 SE 3rd Ave $5 10PM on
Thursday, September 20, 2007
September 28 The Art of Travel
Travel is transformational. Art too. Combining the concepts, tonight is the opening of a show: The Art of Travel. Visual artists Amy Ruppel, Justin “Scrappers” Morrison, Evan B Harris, Shawn Wolfe, David Kaul, Brent Wick, Jeremy Pelley, Philip Iosca, Sarah Gottesdiener, Liza Rietz and Storm Tharp show work. Japanese design phenom Uniqlo, brings limited artist designed shirts. In Japan they are dispensed (as are many strange things) in nifty tubes from vending machines at any hour. Music by Kanda, the Chromatics, and Beyonda. The show runs Sepember 29-October 2, 11AM-7PM. For the opening RSVP is required to pdxjapan@acehotel.com Ace Hotel Cleaners 10th and SE Stark 9:30PM on Free
September 27 Office Bellydance Musics
This Last Thursday on Alberta may be the last without rain for the season. There OfficePDX shows art by co-owner Tony Secolo: Typography of Typewriters. Those ancient text processors were a big thing in the day with over 300 brands spanning 125 years, just in North America! Blickensdorfer, Peoples and Crown Index, Merritt, Underwood, Columbia Barlock, Hammond, Remington, Oliver, Royal, Simplex - most of the old brands are relic. Those alien type balls from old electric IBM typewriters presaged our word processors with myriad typefaces. Olivetti engaged smart industrial designers to design their typewriters, a strategy copied by Apple. Secolo is trained as a graphic artist, that is the starting point for this work reprising the mechanical word processing age. At OfficePDX www.officepdx.com 2204 NE Alberta
Rererato continues its beautiful music series with Celesteville, Moodring and Very Stereo - artist, filmmaker, director, organizer, distributor Matt McCormick's musical unit. There is art on the wall too. Rererato www.rererato.com 5135 NE 42 x Sumner $4 7PM
I often met really good creative people, later I find they study with one of the great creative belly dancing communities in the city. Performances are a treat, especially accompanied by live music. I believe there is a weekly at It's a Beautiful Pizza. I do not know these performers, but tonight musicians Al-Arwah performs live for belly dancers Tiffany, Tamara, Oberon & Eden. At Mississippi Pizza, 3552 N Mississippi $5 9PM
Rererato continues its beautiful music series with Celesteville, Moodring and Very Stereo - artist, filmmaker, director, organizer, distributor Matt McCormick's musical unit. There is art on the wall too. Rererato www.rererato.com 5135 NE 42 x Sumner $4 7PM
I often met really good creative people, later I find they study with one of the great creative belly dancing communities in the city. Performances are a treat, especially accompanied by live music. I believe there is a weekly at It's a Beautiful Pizza. I do not know these performers, but tonight musicians Al-Arwah performs live for belly dancers Tiffany, Tamara, Oberon & Eden. At Mississippi Pizza, 3552 N Mississippi $5 9PM
September 26-28 The Moon
On the 15th day of the eighth month, 909, in Kyoto, the court gathered to view the moon. That tradition, O-Tsukimi, has even more ancient roots in China in the period of the Zhou Dynasty, 1122-256BC. Chinese mythology holds stories of Chang-e, the immortal goddess of the moon, who is able to fly with the aid of a magic elixir. The moon festival tradition is found in many other Asian cultures, tied to the Autumn full moon. It is a celebration of harvest and the season's change parallel to the equinox, which is based on a non-lunar calendar.
The Portland Japanese Garden's O-Tsukimi is sublime. We stroll the garden in the early evening. It is lit by candles in the stone lanterns. Shakuhachi and koto duo En play quietly. We consume hot green tea, hot saki, vegan sushi and mooncakes. Sitting watching the moon rise in front of the pavilion, overlooking the city, or strolling, we write poetry, which is tied to the branches of a small tree for all to read.
There are details at www.japanesegarden.com. The gardens are a walk up from the Rose Garden in Washington Park. Reservations required. $20 members, $25 non. 6:30-8:00PM.
The Portland Japanese Garden's O-Tsukimi is sublime. We stroll the garden in the early evening. It is lit by candles in the stone lanterns. Shakuhachi and koto duo En play quietly. We consume hot green tea, hot saki, vegan sushi and mooncakes. Sitting watching the moon rise in front of the pavilion, overlooking the city, or strolling, we write poetry, which is tied to the branches of a small tree for all to read.
There are details at www.japanesegarden.com. The gardens are a walk up from the Rose Garden in Washington Park. Reservations required. $20 members, $25 non. 6:30-8:00PM.
September 26 Just be there #29
I was lucky to participate in a beautiful intimate class "Using Global Media" in the dining room of renaissance man Mathew Stadler. His book filled house, glowing woodstove, shy cats, awesome guests and tasty potlucks were the perfect complement to deep lively discussions on creating creative networks, in person and virtual, by the exchange of gifts and relation, worldwide.
One of our crew, Sarah Gottesdiener, is a renaissance woman, and musician - her band the Gay Deceivers, is just off performing at PICA's TBA. (The band story is sweet too.) Sarah is putting all of her global media skills to this event and it shows!
The party celebrates the release of PLAZM#29.
29 explores the theme of collective memory.
It includes art from Sue Coe, Art Chantry, Storm Tharp, Todd Haynes. It has interviews with JD Samson, Yoko Ono, and Jessica Jackson Hutchins. 29 contains writing from Robert Mackey and Domenick Ammirati. There is a PDX musical memory map documenting 30 years of independent music. Also a taxonomy of meth labs and thoughts on the End of War. More stuff too. I'll put all of the exclamation points for all of that here: !!!!!!!!! 29 you can buy and read anytime, and will be on sale at a discount tonight.
The night includes mad dancing to DJ BJ, DJ Linoleum, and DJ Girlfriends.
Fueled by Saint Cupcake, New Deal Vodka, New Belgium Brewing and Guayaki Yerba Maté.
With art by David Eckard, Art Chantry, Storm Tharp, Kristan Kennedy, Philip Iosca, Sam Gould, Horatio Law, Matthew Stadler, and others. It's themed "the end of war" and the art will be auctioned to benefit Veterans for Peace. Amen.
Wow music by Evolutionary Jass Band, Hooliganship, and Glass Candy.
Film by Vanessa Renwick.
Ok I'll put some more exclamation points here: !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
http://www.plazm.com
http://www.plazm.com/news
http://www.myspace.com/plazmrocks
At the Ace Hotel. Corner 10th and SW Stark. $3. all ages. Doors 8PM, bands 9.
One of our crew, Sarah Gottesdiener, is a renaissance woman, and musician - her band the Gay Deceivers, is just off performing at PICA's TBA. (The band story is sweet too.) Sarah is putting all of her global media skills to this event and it shows!
The party celebrates the release of PLAZM#29.
29 explores the theme of collective memory.
It includes art from Sue Coe, Art Chantry, Storm Tharp, Todd Haynes. It has interviews with JD Samson, Yoko Ono, and Jessica Jackson Hutchins. 29 contains writing from Robert Mackey and Domenick Ammirati. There is a PDX musical memory map documenting 30 years of independent music. Also a taxonomy of meth labs and thoughts on the End of War. More stuff too. I'll put all of the exclamation points for all of that here: !!!!!!!!! 29 you can buy and read anytime, and will be on sale at a discount tonight.
The night includes mad dancing to DJ BJ, DJ Linoleum, and DJ Girlfriends.
Fueled by Saint Cupcake, New Deal Vodka, New Belgium Brewing and Guayaki Yerba Maté.
With art by David Eckard, Art Chantry, Storm Tharp, Kristan Kennedy, Philip Iosca, Sam Gould, Horatio Law, Matthew Stadler, and others. It's themed "the end of war" and the art will be auctioned to benefit Veterans for Peace. Amen.
Wow music by Evolutionary Jass Band, Hooliganship, and Glass Candy.
Film by Vanessa Renwick.
Ok I'll put some more exclamation points here: !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
http://www.plazm.com
http://www.plazm.com/news
http://www.myspace.com/plazmrocks
At the Ace Hotel. Corner 10th and SW Stark. $3. all ages. Doors 8PM, bands 9.
Sept ember 25 Ponyghost Landuse Bus
Rererato continues David Kyle & The Invisables, Jenni Potts, True Tape Ponyghost. The art show Remembery is up too.
At Rererato 5135 NE 42nd $4 Starts 7
The Bus Project, of which we've written, has created a debate to make learning something about Oregon's land use planning undo redo exciting. Really. In the 70's?, Oregon put in place revolutionary land use laws to make Oregon beautiful and sustainable. Last year voters undid part of that. Now we get to vote on redoing part. If you don't completely understand, come to the debate at Rontoms. 6th & E Burnside. 21 and over, 7PM Free
At Rererato 5135 NE 42nd $4 Starts 7
The Bus Project, of which we've written, has created a debate to make learning something about Oregon's land use planning undo redo exciting. Really. In the 70's?, Oregon put in place revolutionary land use laws to make Oregon beautiful and sustainable. Last year voters undid part of that. Now we get to vote on redoing part. If you don't completely understand, come to the debate at Rontoms. 6th & E Burnside. 21 and over, 7PM Free
September 24 Patient Sub Ocean
Rererato continues Patient Patient, Ocean Floor, Sub-Cons. The art show Remembery is up too.
At Rererato 5135 NE 42nd $4 Starts 7
At Rererato 5135 NE 42nd $4 Starts 7
September 23 Music East to West
Rererato hosts a special guest appearance by the owner's band THE COURIERS from NYC and the Synesthete Ensemble and Cars & Trains. Show starts at 7pm.
At Rererato 5135 NE 42nd Starts 7 Free
For something a little beautifully different, Gaurav Mazumdar, Sitar, West Bengal; Kuntal Roy, Tabla, Delhi; are accompanied by Portlander Rose Okada, tambura play Indian music. It is at the Nityananda Institute, NE 31st and Holiday. 4PM $20 donation
At Rererato 5135 NE 42nd Starts 7 Free
For something a little beautifully different, Gaurav Mazumdar, Sitar, West Bengal; Kuntal Roy, Tabla, Delhi; are accompanied by Portlander Rose Okada, tambura play Indian music. It is at the Nityananda Institute, NE 31st and Holiday. 4PM $20 donation
September 22 Music Art Rollerderby
Rererato continues with Dead Air Fresheners, Cabinet of Natural Curiosities, LA Lungs, M.E. & me. The art show Remembery is up too.
At Rererato 5135 NE 42nd $4 Starts 7
The Rose City Rollers roll on towards the end of the season. Check their website for details. Their shows often sell out without help from Andrew Dickson. At the Expo Center. Go By Train.
http://rosecityrollers.com/rosecityrollersevents.php Doors 5PM, roll 6. Tickets $15-25 often sell out.
At Rererato 5135 NE 42nd $4 Starts 7
The Rose City Rollers roll on towards the end of the season. Check their website for details. Their shows often sell out without help from Andrew Dickson. At the Expo Center. Go By Train.
http://rosecityrollers.com/rosecityrollersevents.php Doors 5PM, roll 6. Tickets $15-25 often sell out.
September 21 Cut + Paste
Ever wonder the process of creation? It is probably both less and more mysterious than imagined. In the graphic design space some projects seem to take infinite time. Alternate ideas are devised, discussed, debated, discarded. What if there was no time for that? Tonight design enters the realm of sport with time limits and competition as variables in Cut + Paste. 8 designers have 3 rounds to convince 5 judges to award them, only one, 1 crown. Judges include Jose Cabaco, W+K; Kristan Kennedy, PICA; Josh Berger, Plazm; Eric Lawrence, Ziba; Jason Bacon, UNKL. DJ's Rev Shines, Kez and MC Omega Watts preside. www.cutandpaste.com At the Wonder 128 NE Russell $10 advance (website), $15 door. Doors 7PM, show 8.
September 20 graf-musics-performance + VJ Night
The ad agency has its ear to the ground, it has its ear to the sky and also its ear on the tracks of pop culture sensing the next train. They bring them there and you can see them for free.
Today it's graffiti+art+music+performance from david choe and saber live.
choe is somewhat infamous for the content of his books, calendars, murals, comics, toys, print design and animation
graf artist saber travels the world making it beautiful. saber has executed the largest piece in the world ever - it required 97 gallons of paint, took 35 nights and covers the size of a football field!
In the W+K atrium 224 NW 13th 3PM Free
In Seattle, the 911 Media Arts Center presents their monthly VJ night hosted by VJ scobot. This month is a little different in that it is a screening of a documentary on VJing, "Video Out" by Paul Vlachos and Meredith Finkelstein (13Bit Productions, www.13bit.com ). The filmmakers will also show work in progress "Lumia".
911 Media Arts Center www.911media.org 402 9th Ave N. Seattle, WA 7:30PM
Today it's graffiti+art+music+performance from david choe and saber live.
choe is somewhat infamous for the content of his books, calendars, murals, comics, toys, print design and animation
graf artist saber travels the world making it beautiful. saber has executed the largest piece in the world ever - it required 97 gallons of paint, took 35 nights and covers the size of a football field!
In the W+K atrium 224 NW 13th 3PM Free
In Seattle, the 911 Media Arts Center presents their monthly VJ night hosted by VJ scobot. This month is a little different in that it is a screening of a documentary on VJing, "Video Out" by Paul Vlachos and Meredith Finkelstein (13Bit Productions, www.13bit.com ). The filmmakers will also show work in progress "Lumia".
911 Media Arts Center www.911media.org 402 9th Ave N. Seattle, WA 7:30PM
Friday, September 14, 2007
September 15 Who is the Fairest of them All
Dueling street fairs, which is so unnecessary, unfold North and South. The Alberta Street Fair continues with, well, the Alberta Street Fair vibe. I'm voting for the underdog, the Foster Road Fo-Po fair www.myspace.com/fosterartwalk. Many artists live in each area because the rent is or was cheap. Details on their websites
Rererato continues its music and art with an art show themed on memory - Remembery - including artists Megan Berner (Iowa), Megan Jacobs(Georgia), Ann Mansolino (Michigan), and Rob Southard (Kentucky). Jacobs piece is melting, so time is of the essence. Musicians Alison Denis & Yeti Love perform. The show is up September 15th through October 20th at viewing hours on their website. NE 42nd and Sumner Free tonight 7-9PM
Rererato continues its music and art with an art show themed on memory - Remembery - including artists Megan Berner (Iowa), Megan Jacobs(Georgia), Ann Mansolino (Michigan), and Rob Southard (Kentucky). Jacobs piece is melting, so time is of the essence. Musicians Alison Denis & Yeti Love perform. The show is up September 15th through October 20th at viewing hours on their website. NE 42nd and Sumner Free tonight 7-9PM
September 14 Music Ragas Waffles
Rererato continues its experimental almost living room music series with Pilgrims, Wroom, sirius.fnord vs Ty Cobb and The Clothing Collection. All the details at www.rererato.com 42nd and NE Sumner $4 7PM
I am more for instrumental music of the subcontinent. Maybe I need to listen to more vocal rags. Here is an opportunity. Pandit Ajoy Chakrabarty sings ragas accompanied by four instrumentalists. He is the first recipient of the "Kumar Gandharva" award for the best musician under 45, he received the "President's award for the best male playback singer in 1990" , he is the first Fellow to receive a Gold Medal from the "Sangeet Research Academy" (SRA). So good within that system of aesthetics. At the OHSU Main Auditorium, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Pk Road $15 (12 years and younger Free) 7:30PM
There is also an opening at Jáce Gáce 6-midnight and a performance-installation at Rocksbox 6540 N.Interstate/Cesar Chavez Blvd x Portland Blvd/Rosa Parks Way 6-11PM and some things happening on Mississippi
I am more for instrumental music of the subcontinent. Maybe I need to listen to more vocal rags. Here is an opportunity. Pandit Ajoy Chakrabarty sings ragas accompanied by four instrumentalists. He is the first recipient of the "Kumar Gandharva" award for the best musician under 45, he received the "President's award for the best male playback singer in 1990" , he is the first Fellow to receive a Gold Medal from the "Sangeet Research Academy" (SRA). So good within that system of aesthetics. At the OHSU Main Auditorium, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Pk Road $15 (12 years and younger Free) 7:30PM
There is also an opening at Jáce Gáce 6-midnight and a performance-installation at Rocksbox 6540 N.Interstate/Cesar Chavez Blvd x Portland Blvd/Rosa Parks Way 6-11PM and some things happening on Mississippi
September 14-16 Art Aqua Portland
Not really. The Affair at the Jupiter Hotel is a small art fair, mixing in some out of town galleries, profit and non, with locals. Since it is generally considered good to see as much art as possible, this is a way to do so without traveling. Each gallery occupies a Jupiter room, so most work is small, with works on paper common. See what is being made and presumably selling elsewhere, though to sell that yourself may require selling it outside Portland, which is good, because art prices are higher in other art center cities. There is also a talk Saturday on selling art which is not selling out, in my view. Thanks to Laurel Gitlen of Small A projects (Small A also has an opening Saturday evening) and Stuart Horodner (former PICA visual curator) for organizing this. www.affair-jupiterhotel.com $5 noon-7
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
September 12 DIY Marriage
Rererato is a DIY gallery-storefront-house that hosts art shows and live music. Their last visual show was themed sleep. Tonight music is added from the local Marriage Records community. Their motto is "first comes love". Always. Playing are Grouping, Fortress of Amplitude, Mudboy, Lucky Dragons and Ghosting. The night perfect.
At Rererato 5135 NE 42nd $4 Starts 7
At Rererato 5135 NE 42nd $4 Starts 7
Thursday, September 06, 2007
September 7 Eastside Art Openings
Timothy Scott Dalbow is known for colorful paintings. They are at the New American Art Union this month 922 SE Ankeny
"Welcome to California [North]" may come sooner than later with global warming. Already we are becoming Brooklyn West. In the '70's? there was a famous sign on I5, to the effect "welcome to Oregon, enjoy your visit, but don't stay". So the copywriting award of the month goes to the Grass Hut Gallery:
"Bwana Spoons and Justin "Scrappers" Morrison are coming outta the closet. The secrets out, they're from California. They've kept it a secret because they thought Oregonians might get mad and hate on them with a "Locals Only" attitude. As it turns out though, everyone's been super nice and welcoming here in Portland. So take this show as a welcome right back at you.
In their new body of work the Cali-boys explore and reflect everything rad and lame about California. That covers everything from surfing legend Moon-Doggy to gangsta rap legend Easy-E.
Using vivid colors and bold icons in their new painting, Bwana and Scrappers celebrate their first show together in Grass Hut gallery"
"Bwana Spoons:
Growing up in California I began to think of it as it's own country. Born in Santa Ana on a dragbike, and after a momentary stint in Michigan, my folks moved me up and down the coast and the valley. We made pit stops in Trona(Death Valley)- where my dad worked at the the Kerry-McGee plant. Home to Silkwood. Then Fairfield- where I learned to skate like every other Californian. Central Valley- not the area, the town right near the Shasta Dam. Walnut Creek- where my mom thought our house was haunted, but really just felt uncomfortable because everybody was rich, Then off to the shithole Oakley- Again, not the goggle/sunglass company, just some walnut orchards, cholos, and rednecks out in the middle of suburbia. Then to mendocino- Where I realized that you didn't have to hate school, and fight, or run from fights everyday. The ocean, hippies, no fences, and no walkie talkies. And lastly, when I graduated from mendo I moved to SF. home to hills, killer art, king of slappies, and earthquakes. So... by the time i moved to portland back in '96, at first i just thought it was an extension of the country California. I love it here, and I still love california. This show is about my love for all things Cali, the good, the rad, and the ugly.
Justin "Scrappers" Morrison:
I am Californian: I have kicked Mickey Mouse in the balls, I have been to Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch, I saw the LA riots, I had my first kiss under the Hollywood sign next to Madonna's house, I listened to "Straight Outta Compton" by NWA while on spring break in Palm Springs, I smoked pot in a VW van parked in front of Jimm Morrison's house, I surfed my first wave at Sunset Cliffs in San Diego, I watched my first movie on the Walt Disney studio lot, I've seen Erik Estrada (Ponch) from Chips dressed up as Santa Clause hand out gifts at the Los Angeles Mission, I learned how to tree-sit by Earth First protesters in Humboldt county, I found a seal's tooth on Catalina Island, I made a necklace from Big Bear mountain pine cones and I have hocked a loogie off the Golden Gate bridge.
I was born in Canada on Vancouver Island, had my diapers changed in Medford Oregon, but I grew up in Los Angeles county. I grew up around gnarly bikers, greasy mechanics, Armenian gang members, Hispanic family members, crazy surfers, bleach blond pool cleaners, Hollywood butt rockers, movie studio slaves, plastic surgery junkies and uselessly over-watered palm trees. Somehow my stoner buddies and I graduated from Burbank High School, then I studied random art, music and history at Pasadena City College and the College of the Redwoods. It wasn't till I moved to Portland that I got a History degree from PSU and devoted a year of my life to the Wieden+Kennedy 12 advertising agency/school/experiment. Now I live in Portland, paint with old house paint, run Grass Hut studio/gallery/shop with my buddy Bwana and swim in the rivers every chance I get."
At Grass Hut Gallery 811 E Burnside
Moshi-Moshi shows illustrations by Jun Seo Hahm. I'm all for palindromes and so is Ham: www.qbodp.net At Moshi-Moshi 811 E Burnside
Mylar is one of those "space age" materials. Thin plastic coated with evaporated aluminum. But it is not flat. Photographer Jason Kelley lined his studio with mylar which reflects its surroundings fun house mirror-style. His photographs "Mylarsian Dreams" are the result. Also with Jake Shivery at Newspace Photo 1632 SE 10th
"Welcome to California [North]" may come sooner than later with global warming. Already we are becoming Brooklyn West. In the '70's? there was a famous sign on I5, to the effect "welcome to Oregon, enjoy your visit, but don't stay". So the copywriting award of the month goes to the Grass Hut Gallery:
"Bwana Spoons and Justin "Scrappers" Morrison are coming outta the closet. The secrets out, they're from California. They've kept it a secret because they thought Oregonians might get mad and hate on them with a "Locals Only" attitude. As it turns out though, everyone's been super nice and welcoming here in Portland. So take this show as a welcome right back at you.
In their new body of work the Cali-boys explore and reflect everything rad and lame about California. That covers everything from surfing legend Moon-Doggy to gangsta rap legend Easy-E.
Using vivid colors and bold icons in their new painting, Bwana and Scrappers celebrate their first show together in Grass Hut gallery"
"Bwana Spoons:
Growing up in California I began to think of it as it's own country. Born in Santa Ana on a dragbike, and after a momentary stint in Michigan, my folks moved me up and down the coast and the valley. We made pit stops in Trona(Death Valley)- where my dad worked at the the Kerry-McGee plant. Home to Silkwood. Then Fairfield- where I learned to skate like every other Californian. Central Valley- not the area, the town right near the Shasta Dam. Walnut Creek- where my mom thought our house was haunted, but really just felt uncomfortable because everybody was rich, Then off to the shithole Oakley- Again, not the goggle/sunglass company, just some walnut orchards, cholos, and rednecks out in the middle of suburbia. Then to mendocino- Where I realized that you didn't have to hate school, and fight, or run from fights everyday. The ocean, hippies, no fences, and no walkie talkies. And lastly, when I graduated from mendo I moved to SF. home to hills, killer art, king of slappies, and earthquakes. So... by the time i moved to portland back in '96, at first i just thought it was an extension of the country California. I love it here, and I still love california. This show is about my love for all things Cali, the good, the rad, and the ugly.
Justin "Scrappers" Morrison:
I am Californian: I have kicked Mickey Mouse in the balls, I have been to Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch, I saw the LA riots, I had my first kiss under the Hollywood sign next to Madonna's house, I listened to "Straight Outta Compton" by NWA while on spring break in Palm Springs, I smoked pot in a VW van parked in front of Jimm Morrison's house, I surfed my first wave at Sunset Cliffs in San Diego, I watched my first movie on the Walt Disney studio lot, I've seen Erik Estrada (Ponch) from Chips dressed up as Santa Clause hand out gifts at the Los Angeles Mission, I learned how to tree-sit by Earth First protesters in Humboldt county, I found a seal's tooth on Catalina Island, I made a necklace from Big Bear mountain pine cones and I have hocked a loogie off the Golden Gate bridge.
I was born in Canada on Vancouver Island, had my diapers changed in Medford Oregon, but I grew up in Los Angeles county. I grew up around gnarly bikers, greasy mechanics, Armenian gang members, Hispanic family members, crazy surfers, bleach blond pool cleaners, Hollywood butt rockers, movie studio slaves, plastic surgery junkies and uselessly over-watered palm trees. Somehow my stoner buddies and I graduated from Burbank High School, then I studied random art, music and history at Pasadena City College and the College of the Redwoods. It wasn't till I moved to Portland that I got a History degree from PSU and devoted a year of my life to the Wieden+Kennedy 12 advertising agency/school/experiment. Now I live in Portland, paint with old house paint, run Grass Hut studio/gallery/shop with my buddy Bwana and swim in the rivers every chance I get."
At Grass Hut Gallery 811 E Burnside
Moshi-Moshi shows illustrations by Jun Seo Hahm. I'm all for palindromes and so is Ham: www.qbodp.net At Moshi-Moshi 811 E Burnside
Mylar is one of those "space age" materials. Thin plastic coated with evaporated aluminum. But it is not flat. Photographer Jason Kelley lined his studio with mylar which reflects its surroundings fun house mirror-style. His photographs "Mylarsian Dreams" are the result. Also with Jake Shivery at Newspace Photo 1632 SE 10th
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
September 6 Westside Art Openings
Visual art has seasons. September is a special month with out of town maybe art buyers visiting for T:BA and the Affair at the Jupiter hotel art fair.
Roberta Bayley shows photographs of punksters Blondie and the Ramones in the 70's. One wonders what the contemporary examples are, and how they will look 30 years hence. What is the interplay between familiarity/nostalgia and novelty in a generation of viewers? How will digital photography's look evolve? Compare this to, for instance, the current show at Dantes. Also showing, mixed media work with an old school master's etching feel, by Morgan Walker. Compare this style to illustration style work at Compound or the Grass Hut. At Augen www.augengallery.com One show at 716 NW Davis, the other at 817 SW 2nd
Yamamoto Masao shows quiet photographs at PDX. Chill. www.pdxcontemporaryart.com
PNCA schooled Rebecca Guberman-Bloom shows enigmatic mystical figurative work. At Mark Woolley in his new downtown location. www.markwoolley.com 817 SW 2nd
Portland photographer Dianne Kornberg shows vintage prints from her past work. Claire Cowie populates environments with creatures. Her fantastic constructions mirror the interplay of the natural and industrial environment near her Seattle studio by the Duwamish River. Some are a little scary. At Elizabeth Leach www.elizabethleach.com 417 NW 9th
Jeffery Mitchel is ultra baroque. Take a look for yourself at Pulliam Deffenbaugh www.pulliamdeffenbaugh.com 929 NW Flanders early close 8PM
Painter Abi Spring creates subtly textured minimalist abstract paintings. You want to touch. But don't. At Chambers Gallery 207 SW Pine
"The Awesome But True Electric Institute in Outfits" is a show of illustration at the always affordable Reading Frenzy. www.readingfrenzy.com 921 SW Oak
The Everett Lofts and the Portland Art Center - Everett and NW Broadway and 32 NW 5th respectively should be standard itinerary points.
Digmeout, of which we have written, shows the latest batch of Osaka-based illustration style art. At Compound/ Just Be Toys www.justbedesign.com 107 NW 5th
The US Bank branch shows graffiti style art by nishiki tayui 1040 NW Lovejoy until 8
Tender Loving Empire is a newish gallery, music label, small press, consignment space. They show Finn Riggins "a soldier, a saint, an ocean explorer" and Cameron Browne "moments of splendor" www.tenderlovingempire.com 18th and NW Lovejoy Opening 4-8PM
Arvie Smith's work is a wild portrait of of his African American world. What a pleasure to be invited in for a glimpse of "chitlin' circuit". At Beppu Wiarda www.beppugallery.com 319 NW 9th
Heather May Rodetzke shows new work at Quality Pictures in the long project space. www.qpca.com 916 NW Hoyt
Tamar Monhait shows high contrast symmetrical prints, stencil or lace-like, at the downtown Stumptown. 128 SW 3rd
Westside, but not downtown:
Seattle's Darren Waterson makes dreamy abstractions which resemble landscapes or maybe the -scapes of celestial bodies. At the Lewis and Clark College Gallery www.lclark.edu/dept/gallery
Roberta Bayley shows photographs of punksters Blondie and the Ramones in the 70's. One wonders what the contemporary examples are, and how they will look 30 years hence. What is the interplay between familiarity/nostalgia and novelty in a generation of viewers? How will digital photography's look evolve? Compare this to, for instance, the current show at Dantes. Also showing, mixed media work with an old school master's etching feel, by Morgan Walker. Compare this style to illustration style work at Compound or the Grass Hut. At Augen www.augengallery.com One show at 716 NW Davis, the other at 817 SW 2nd
Yamamoto Masao shows quiet photographs at PDX. Chill. www.pdxcontemporaryart.com
PNCA schooled Rebecca Guberman-Bloom shows enigmatic mystical figurative work. At Mark Woolley in his new downtown location. www.markwoolley.com 817 SW 2nd
Portland photographer Dianne Kornberg shows vintage prints from her past work. Claire Cowie populates environments with creatures. Her fantastic constructions mirror the interplay of the natural and industrial environment near her Seattle studio by the Duwamish River. Some are a little scary. At Elizabeth Leach www.elizabethleach.com 417 NW 9th
Jeffery Mitchel is ultra baroque. Take a look for yourself at Pulliam Deffenbaugh www.pulliamdeffenbaugh.com 929 NW Flanders early close 8PM
Painter Abi Spring creates subtly textured minimalist abstract paintings. You want to touch. But don't. At Chambers Gallery 207 SW Pine
"The Awesome But True Electric Institute in Outfits" is a show of illustration at the always affordable Reading Frenzy. www.readingfrenzy.com 921 SW Oak
The Everett Lofts and the Portland Art Center - Everett and NW Broadway and 32 NW 5th respectively should be standard itinerary points.
Digmeout, of which we have written, shows the latest batch of Osaka-based illustration style art. At Compound/ Just Be Toys www.justbedesign.com 107 NW 5th
The US Bank branch shows graffiti style art by nishiki tayui 1040 NW Lovejoy until 8
Tender Loving Empire is a newish gallery, music label, small press, consignment space. They show Finn Riggins "a soldier, a saint, an ocean explorer" and Cameron Browne "moments of splendor" www.tenderlovingempire.com 18th and NW Lovejoy Opening 4-8PM
Arvie Smith's work is a wild portrait of of his African American world. What a pleasure to be invited in for a glimpse of "chitlin' circuit". At Beppu Wiarda www.beppugallery.com 319 NW 9th
Heather May Rodetzke shows new work at Quality Pictures in the long project space. www.qpca.com 916 NW Hoyt
Tamar Monhait shows high contrast symmetrical prints, stencil or lace-like, at the downtown Stumptown. 128 SW 3rd
Westside, but not downtown:
Seattle's Darren Waterson makes dreamy abstractions which resemble landscapes or maybe the -scapes of celestial bodies. At the Lewis and Clark College Gallery www.lclark.edu/dept/gallery
September 6 The MPO:Portland
The Music Population Orchestra:Portland plays another sublime new chamber concert. It is at Apotheke. Founder Brede Rørstad is visiting from Oslo and conducting his own "Words of My Mouth", composed for a film by Portlander Jessica Baclesse. This is a perfect spot to hear the MPO. At Apotheke 1314 NW Glisan 9PM
September 6-16 PICA T:BA Fest
This solid 11 days of theater, music, dance, performance, visual art, workshops, talks, film and mingling is larger than I can do justice. They have a book that describes everything so the homework is yours. Or just head out with friends. Or consult the variety of blogs, including the most excellent Urban Honking coverage. If you like it, consider volunteering next year for free tickets.
September 6-9 Bicycle Film Festival
The Bicycle Film Festival is an international show at Cinema 21. There are accompanying parties at Holocene, Rotture and Rontoms. Check the website for details www.bicyclefilmfestival.com Valet bike parking at some events - how civilized!
September 5 Cooley Gallery at Reed (re)opens
Galleries renew their walls continuously, but sometimes something more drastic is needed. The Reed College Gallery, in the Library building, has hosted some pretty fantastic shows. One in fact had live sheep for weeks. Art takes a toll, so some renovation was needed. The gallery has been spiffed and kicks a new show tonight by Viennese artist Marko Lulic and Peter Kreider from Brooklyn. (Noted local contemporary curator Marjorie Meyers was instrumental in bringing Kreider) Details. Up until December 9. There is a big barbecue and party for it starting at 6PM Reed College
September 5 Local Filmmakers and Music at Milepost 5
This courtesy of Matt McCormick:
City Commissioner Sam Adams is responsible for the arts. One of his projects is a legal live work space for artists - Milepost 5 near MAX transit in Montavilla. Tonight local filmmakers Matt McCormick, Vanessa Renwick, Grace Carter + Holly Andres present work along with music by Watery Graves, Mattress, Joe VonAppen, Haiku Inferno, Pash and Rush-n-disco. (!!!) Details. Go by MAX. All free! 6PM
City Commissioner Sam Adams is responsible for the arts. One of his projects is a legal live work space for artists - Milepost 5 near MAX transit in Montavilla. Tonight local filmmakers Matt McCormick, Vanessa Renwick, Grace Carter + Holly Andres present work along with music by Watery Graves, Mattress, Joe VonAppen, Haiku Inferno, Pash and Rush-n-disco. (!!!) Details. Go by MAX. All free! 6PM
September 4 Living Room Cinema
The Living Room Theaters show small run cinema on video in comfy plush spaces. They are a local startup. They are also starting an open screening program for local filmmakers. Free, free, free. All the details are at http://www.livingroomtheaters.com/openscreening.html
Saturday, September 01, 2007
September 1-3 Kumoricon
Japanese pop culture is inscrutable but that doesn't mean it's not fun. Much revolves around fictional worlds in manga, anime and gaming. Those fictional worlds, sampled, become participatory in cosplay, fanfic, AMV, RPG, Plushie-kerade (in which stuffed toys are dressed in costumes and played as puppets by ninja clothed puppeteers), cosplay life size chess, and, of course, karaoke. This is an all ages event, strictly no hentai, yaoi or yuri.
Sometime I need to research trends in IP rights in Japan. Does otaku culture sampling and repurposing creative material create a stronger business model than the "sampling is death" position taken by the RIAA and MPAA? Especially since the sampling battle has been essentially won by the samplers.
Much information at the Kumoricon Website and a detailed schedule charting all times.
At the Vancouver, WA Convention center
$40 full weekend, $25 - Saturday or Sunday, $20 Monday, Free age 5 and under
Sometime I need to research trends in IP rights in Japan. Does otaku culture sampling and repurposing creative material create a stronger business model than the "sampling is death" position taken by the RIAA and MPAA? Especially since the sampling battle has been essentially won by the samplers.
Much information at the Kumoricon Website and a detailed schedule charting all times.
At the Vancouver, WA Convention center
$40 full weekend, $25 - Saturday or Sunday, $20 Monday, Free age 5 and under
Friday, August 31, 2007
September 1 The Stars Are Beautiful
The Stars Are Beautiful is a film from Stan Brakhage, American experimental film luminary. He taught at the University of Colorado, sending forth a generation of students. He is known for hand processed film, including hand scratching exposed leader after developing allergies to film chemistry.
It is also this evening's title for a collection of shorts shown outside at Artemesia Nursery:
Bridges Go-Round by Shirley Clarke [1958, 16mm, color, sound, 4 min.]
Glimpse of the Garden by Marie Menken [1957, 16mm, color, sound 5 min.]
BOUQUETS 21-30 by Rose Lowder [2001-2005, 16mm color, silent, 14 min.]
Lions and Tigers and Bears by Rebecca Meyers [2005, 16mm, 12 min, color,
sound]
There's A Pervert In Our Pool! by Martha Colburn [1998, 16mm, color,
sound, 3 min.]
The Stars Are Beautiful by Stan Brakhage. [1974, 16mm, color, sound, 19min.]
Music by Presents! + Kelvin Tippan kicks 7:30, films at 8:15.
The Cinema Project, which usually presents inside, is creating this evening with support from NAAU. Bring your own absinthe.
Artemisia Garden & Gallery, 110 SE 28th Avenue x Ankeny $6 7:30PM
It is also this evening's title for a collection of shorts shown outside at Artemesia Nursery:
Bridges Go-Round by Shirley Clarke [1958, 16mm, color, sound, 4 min.]
Glimpse of the Garden by Marie Menken [1957, 16mm, color, sound 5 min.]
BOUQUETS 21-30 by Rose Lowder [2001-2005, 16mm color, silent, 14 min.]
Lions and Tigers and Bears by Rebecca Meyers [2005, 16mm, 12 min, color,
sound]
There's A Pervert In Our Pool! by Martha Colburn [1998, 16mm, color,
sound, 3 min.]
The Stars Are Beautiful by Stan Brakhage. [1974, 16mm, color, sound, 19min.]
Music by Presents! + Kelvin Tippan kicks 7:30, films at 8:15.
The Cinema Project, which usually presents inside, is creating this evening with support from NAAU. Bring your own absinthe.
Artemisia Garden & Gallery, 110 SE 28th Avenue x Ankeny $6 7:30PM
August 31-Sept 3 Westside Invite
The Portland United Messengers Association hosts the 7th Westside Invite. It's a weekend of messenger sporting. Kicking with registration at Ash St Friday noon-7, the event may include many alleycats, velodrome racing, bbq'in, criterium street racing, polo and fun and games. Check Portland Messenger for info.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
August 30 Readymade Bicycle Antics
ReadyMade Magazine is about you making stuff. This event has demonstrations and displays by Seattle rock poster guy Dan Stiles and Portland jewelry maker Melissa Stiles. Free magazine issues, cheap magazine subscriptions, free drinks, drawings for more free stuff.
RSVP darci at readymademag.com by email
At the Cleaners space at the Ace Hotel 1003 SW Stark 7PM Free
The Portland Sprockettes have an identical separated at birth bicycle performance troupe twin in the BC Clettes. They will both be performing at the Last Thursday on Alberta. Somewhere. Just follow the rawkus. 7:30PM Free
RSVP darci at readymademag.com by email
At the Cleaners space at the Ace Hotel 1003 SW Stark 7PM Free
The Portland Sprockettes have an identical separated at birth bicycle performance troupe twin in the BC Clettes. They will both be performing at the Last Thursday on Alberta. Somewhere. Just follow the rawkus. 7:30PM Free
Saturday, August 25, 2007
August 19 Model Behavior
Organism presents contemporary art in Portland. Tonight they open a show in the old Blue Sky space. "Model Behavior" including artists Hank Willis Thomas, Yoram Wolberger, Weppler & Mahovsky, Matt Clark and others. Models are a powerful concept-tool. I'm not sure how this show relates to that. Go and see for yourself. Website for details and hours www.artorganism.org navigate to programming. 1231 NW Hoyt St # 101 Opens 7-9:30PM free
August 19 Iron Artist Competition
SCRAP saves stuff from the landfill for you. Even if you don't need anything, a visit is fascinating. It's a no profit enterprise, and the Iron Artists Competition is a fundraiser for them. Iron Artists was created at Wacky Willies, artistic love brainchild of Georgia Lee Hussey and Seann McKeel (McKeel went on to create Nocturnal). Teams compete to build a sculpture from a set of given and brought materials. There will be costumed teams, rabble rousing, cheating, fouls, sound effects and more. At SCRAP N Vancouver and Failing 12:30-5/6ish $5-20
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
August 15,21,26 Rererato Experimental Musics
Rererato invites you to experience sounds in their live, work, show space. August 15 Jellyfish & Bubbles, EET; Augist 21 Bonanza City, Full Contact Botany, Leif Kailian; August 26 Places Unknown, PUQ, Wroom. Simultaneous you can intake the zzzzzz visual show themed on sleep. But you cannot sleep there after the show. Rererato 5135 NE 42nd (x Alberta/Summer) Music's 7. Art Tue-Sat by appointment.
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
August 12 Crafty Wonderland
The Crafty Wonderland instantiates at the Doug Fir Lounge. A good pre-post brunch diversion. 11-4 Free
August 11 Etsy-craft
Etsy is a website that provides a lightweight web store for crafters. Many Portland crafty vixens represent there. Today they bring Portland Etsy into the physical world. We can't say brick and mortar because they will be set up outside in the South Park Blocks by PSU at the farmers market. PDXEtsy 8AM-4PM
August 10-12 Audio Cinema Visual Collective Show
Artists Bean Gilsdorf, Candace Gossen, Cat Coats, Cyruss Smith, Dan Gilsdorf, Geoffery Ellis, Ilan Laks, Jeremy Tucker, Josh Kim, Katie Behel, Kimber Shiroma, Mike McGovern, Pasha, Samantha Wall and Uli Beutter show work at Audio Cinema. Gallery 500 refugees organize the the space yearly - the results are varied but never boring. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to P:ear.
226 SE Madison Audio Cinema
Artist preview Thursday, August 9th 7-10pm. Invitation only.
Opening night Friday, August 10th 6-2am. $5 donation (also the same night Disjecta closing party)
Saturday and Sunday, August 11th and 12th 12-6pm. Sliding scale donation.
226 SE Madison Audio Cinema
Artist preview Thursday, August 9th 7-10pm. Invitation only.
Opening night Friday, August 10th 6-2am. $5 donation (also the same night Disjecta closing party)
Saturday and Sunday, August 11th and 12th 12-6pm. Sliding scale donation.
Monday, August 06, 2007
August 8-12 Cocoon Bird
Tracy Broyles makes dance. Modern dance. Imprinteur Theory 1:dance.
In ages past, the strange birds had a place in society as oracles. Now they are discarded. One example are the anchoress', oracles sealed in caves. Inspired by these histories, Broyles has conceived a dance piece that unfolds in the rooms of a house-cave. The movement was inspired by trance-like states akin to those experienced by the oracles. The final work incorporates voice and original music. The audience is limited to 10 each evening by the intimate setting.
House at 1414 SE 32nd Ave x Hawthorne
Reservations Required: cocoonbird@gmail.com $18/$15 students, artists, seniors 8 and 10PM
In ages past, the strange birds had a place in society as oracles. Now they are discarded. One example are the anchoress', oracles sealed in caves. Inspired by these histories, Broyles has conceived a dance piece that unfolds in the rooms of a house-cave. The movement was inspired by trance-like states akin to those experienced by the oracles. The final work incorporates voice and original music. The audience is limited to 10 each evening by the intimate setting.
House at 1414 SE 32nd Ave x Hawthorne
Reservations Required: cocoonbird@gmail.com $18/$15 students, artists, seniors 8 and 10PM
Saturday, August 04, 2007
August 7 Sincerely, John Head
Is hard to explain. So look around their web site. From free barbecue guerrilla tailgating to Foghat photo session breakfasts, R. Scott Porter & Nat Andreini tap social performance art with a food element thrown in for good measure. They are having a fundraiser for their Ranchero. BBQ, DJing '77 vintage rawk, a raffle. Details at UH At Tiga 1465 NE Prescott 6-10 free spectation, or eat and contribute.
August 7 Gallery Homeland Free Breakfast
Gallery Homeland presents a free breakfast for your edification 8-9AM on the East Bank River Esplanade.
August 4, 5 Most Excellent Mostlandian Championship
M.O.S.T is a social art performance group. The Mostlandian Galactic Championship phase one includes competitive feats of cigarette rolling, singing, and Xeroxing. Phase two, for the brave, includes coffee making, bowhunting, CPR, slam dunking, fencing, computer hacking, roller skating, double dutch, pig Latin, tongue to nose-ing, cartography and joke telling. Rock, paper, scissors will be used in the case of a tie. I am not making this up - check the rules. Meet at the Galaxy Saturday 7PM sharp; Col. Summers Park, Sunday 1PM
August 4,5,6 Harmos Community Art Remembering
Time is generally thought to unfold monotonically. There are many things we might wish undone none the less. One is the development and use of the atomic bomb. The worldwide resources devoted to its creation, use, evolution and proliferation, over more than 50 years, both material and psychic, are incalculable.
Kyoto was an initial target because its "people [were judged as] being more highly intelligent and hence better able to appreciate the significance of the weapon". However it was spared because the secretary of war had fallen in love with the city on his honeymoon. Nagasaki and Hiroshima, August 6th and 9th, 1945, so long ago, were not spared.
Not being able to undo the past, remembrance is a way to meditate on decisions now to err not.
Thus is the mission of the Harmos project of community based art making, including art made by school children, as meditation and remembrance.
Saturday the project meets at Unthank Park by SEI, 510 N Shaver at 8PM
Sunday the project meets at the Japanese American Historical Plaza NW Naito and Couch in Waterfront Park at 7:30PM
Monday it is at Buckman School SE 16th and Taylor at 8PM
The essence of the gathering is a performance using the work made by children. A good kid thing. Details Harmos PDX Free
Kyoto was an initial target because its "people [were judged as] being more highly intelligent and hence better able to appreciate the significance of the weapon". However it was spared because the secretary of war had fallen in love with the city on his honeymoon. Nagasaki and Hiroshima, August 6th and 9th, 1945, so long ago, were not spared.
Not being able to undo the past, remembrance is a way to meditate on decisions now to err not.
Thus is the mission of the Harmos project of community based art making, including art made by school children, as meditation and remembrance.
Saturday the project meets at Unthank Park by SEI, 510 N Shaver at 8PM
Sunday the project meets at the Japanese American Historical Plaza NW Naito and Couch in Waterfront Park at 7:30PM
Monday it is at Buckman School SE 16th and Taylor at 8PM
The essence of the gathering is a performance using the work made by children. A good kid thing. Details Harmos PDX Free
Monday, July 30, 2007
August 4 Qawwali Music
Qawwali is ecstatic singing in the Sufi tradition. I am not an expert, but my understanding is that Sufi evolved from Islam. Instead of a god above, the Sufis believed god is within every individual. They cultivated ecstatic dancing, singing and poetry in devotion to that idea. Qawwali is over 600 years old. Old enough that non Asian-born musicians are making it. Tonight French Qawwali Fanna-Fi-Allah perform. How beautiful they call their ensemble a Qawwali party.
"Qawwali is an ancient practice wherein the fire of divine love (ishq) is ecstatically expressed through the mystical verses of Sufi poets. The poems of Rumi and Hafiz sung in Urdu and Farsi."
Fanna-Fi-Allah perform at Yoga Shala True North 3808 N Williams 9PM $18
"Qawwali is an ancient practice wherein the fire of divine love (ishq) is ecstatically expressed through the mystical verses of Sufi poets. The poems of Rumi and Hafiz sung in Urdu and Farsi."
Fanna-Fi-Allah perform at Yoga Shala True North 3808 N Williams 9PM $18
August 3 Gary Hill
Gary Hill is a gen3 video artist. Gen1 included Nam Jun Paik, Yoko Ono, Vito Acconci, Dara Birnbaum and others. Gen2 would be Bill Viola who added a layer of elegant meditation. Hill experimented with display topology, multiplying the channels, presaging today's multitasking world. We are probably now in the upper single gen digits.
Tonight Seattle's Hill shows Glass Onion, Clover and other works at the 911 Media Arts Center. 911 is similar to SF's BAVC, it is what the Film Center could be if it busted out.
""“Glass Onion”, is a complex installation work incorporating a close-circuit video camera, five video displays, and eight speakers. Precisely scored animated text and layered speech both describe and mirror the process of feedback.
The viewer becomes topologically mapped into a field of concentric rectangles reflecting further the inherent structures of video feedback and cybernetics.""
Hill premiered an early version of "Glass Onion" in 1981 at and/or, 911's predecessor.
911 Media Arts Center 402 9th Ave N 6PM
Tonight Seattle's Hill shows Glass Onion, Clover and other works at the 911 Media Arts Center. 911 is similar to SF's BAVC, it is what the Film Center could be if it busted out.
""“Glass Onion”, is a complex installation work incorporating a close-circuit video camera, five video displays, and eight speakers. Precisely scored animated text and layered speech both describe and mirror the process of feedback.
The viewer becomes topologically mapped into a field of concentric rectangles reflecting further the inherent structures of video feedback and cybernetics.""
Hill premiered an early version of "Glass Onion" in 1981 at and/or, 911's predecessor.
911 Media Arts Center 402 9th Ave N 6PM
August 3 Eastside Art Openings - Art Space Butoh River
Scratching the Surface is an annual show of an evening that makes art on the river. Sometimes floating in the river too. It is centered on the East Bank Esplanade - the foot of SE Madison is a good place to start. Bruce Conkle's Mountain Romance kicks off at the Ash St. Pier at 6pm, architect artists Grace Luebke and Ben Stagl are floating their installation Tumbleweed at 7pm, and Brooklyn artist Tim Folland launches Ship Wrecked at 9pm. Last year, the maintenance guy hauled away some of the installations the morning of the event thinking they were refuse, but it is all sorted this year. More details at Gallery Homeland the river wranglers. 6-10ish Free
Note Stagl also has an installation in the Portland building lobby "Below Marquam" between August 6 and September 4.
Gabriel Liston shows Tearfully Remembering Familiar Things, nostalgic illustration style paintings as well as drawings and objects. At the New American Art Union 922 SE Ankeny
In the 811 block...
Ayumi Piland, one half of APAK, shows all her own My Secret Pocket Journey. "The one thing I try not to forget before doing the laundry is checking my husband's pockets. All his pockets are always filled with many little things... all types of twigs, rocks, plants, old screws, nuts, balls of fuzz, receipts, post-it notes, coins, dirt, broken piece of plastic, small metal parts, candy wrappers, toys, stickers, business cards, flyers...etc. In contrast, my pockets are usually empty and I feel sort of envious of his collection. But I do have a secret pocket that I keep non-objects, my imagination. I hide the secret pocket around my belly to keep it quite safe. This is where my soul curls up and takes a nap to dream. In this show you get a chance to peak at the world of my secret pocket. I hope you enjoy it!" This is a perfect example of the power of art in a world that seems to be falling apart. At Grass Hut Gallery
By cosmic coincidence the other half APAK, Aaron Piland shows Imagination Machine at Moshi Moshi. His illustration-style work is max kawaii too.
Redux presents P. Williams' Flotsam and Jetsam - paintings on salvaged materials.
"P. Williams current series of work is an exploration of the relationship between humans and nature. The work looks at the plastic divide between humans and the world at large, as well as the tragedy and disasters that come from ignoring the seemingly benign.
P. Williams’ began his professional career after graduating from Art Center College of Design with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration Design. His work is a combination of comics and realism, using two stylistic approaches, fundamentally opposed, allowing for a deeper conversation between the viewer and the artist. There is a cast of characters that perform in these paintings. Being iconic yet completely general. Through subtle manipulations, the characters become distorted to mirror internal conflict, landscapes change from one painting to the next yet they all manage to stay firmly rooted within the same world, the same characters, just a different chapter in the mythology of suburbia. His audience is appreciative of the fact that the modern suburban landscape is that of a warped nature, and the resulting social structures are equally warped. These paintings don’t need to reflect a specific explanation or a title but have items that relate to many storylines and possibilities within a wide range of people."
In his own words;
“ My paintings are fun, and they are supposed to be fun, but they are also intended to be challenging. In many ways, my work functions like a comic, drawing heavily on the lexicon of comic mechanisms, but also invents, distorts, and leaves few puzzles for the viewer to discover. The paintings can be viewed as single panels, or as a collection of snapshots of some novel, standing perfectly alone yet some how complete.
I am also heavily invested in myths, and the way that they relay information, ideas and of course, misconceptions. I explore the way myths and stories tell us how to exist within a society, and what is important. The weight that myths give to creation and destruction have come to function heavily in this current series. Burning foot hills, bleak skies and giant beasts, the work has evolved in to a myth system of it’s own. It is a collection of repeating symbols and metaphors perfect for reinterpretation of modern life.”
Definitely the copywriter of the month award. At Redux
All 811 E. Burnside
Collaborators Justin Gorman and Caleb Freese, who had a recent show at Ogle, show their work at Jáce Gáce. It's their place and their design sense, including culinary, makes for a sweet spot to savor art, beer and waffles. Jáce Gáce 2045 SE Belmont
One of my obscure interests is Butoh, a very modern dance form from Japan. You can search my older posts for plenty of reference. Tonight butoh fusion artist Akira Kasei performs. Kasei fuses eurythmy with butoh. So I guess that would be Waldorf Butoh. He has been teaching a workshop this week at Portland State and he and the students will perform together and separately tonight. I took the same workshop last year and there is no way you should not see this. He is quite the rock star at 63! At Imago Theater 17 SE 8th 7:30PM Free(!!!)
For something completely different, the Film Center is reprising the works of filmmaker Stanley Kubrick. Tonight it's 2001: A Space Odyssey. The vastness of space and cinematography demands seeing this as film on the big screen. This is the famous meditation on the meaning of life and our spiritual evolution. Let's get it right! It also stars HAL9000, the sensitive AI. A space traveler is led by the monolith through a wormhole to the beginning of time, to become the creator of the universe. (I think you have to read the book to get that, sorry for the spoiler, but the last fourth of the film is a little abstract) See also Dr Strangelove and A Clockwork Orange later in the series. At the NW Film Center's Whitsell Auditorium in the Art Museum $7/6 members 7PM
Note Stagl also has an installation in the Portland building lobby "Below Marquam" between August 6 and September 4.
Gabriel Liston shows Tearfully Remembering Familiar Things, nostalgic illustration style paintings as well as drawings and objects. At the New American Art Union 922 SE Ankeny
In the 811 block...
Ayumi Piland, one half of APAK, shows all her own My Secret Pocket Journey. "The one thing I try not to forget before doing the laundry is checking my husband's pockets. All his pockets are always filled with many little things... all types of twigs, rocks, plants, old screws, nuts, balls of fuzz, receipts, post-it notes, coins, dirt, broken piece of plastic, small metal parts, candy wrappers, toys, stickers, business cards, flyers...etc. In contrast, my pockets are usually empty and I feel sort of envious of his collection. But I do have a secret pocket that I keep non-objects, my imagination. I hide the secret pocket around my belly to keep it quite safe. This is where my soul curls up and takes a nap to dream. In this show you get a chance to peak at the world of my secret pocket. I hope you enjoy it!" This is a perfect example of the power of art in a world that seems to be falling apart. At Grass Hut Gallery
By cosmic coincidence the other half APAK, Aaron Piland shows Imagination Machine at Moshi Moshi. His illustration-style work is max kawaii too.
Redux presents P. Williams' Flotsam and Jetsam - paintings on salvaged materials.
"P. Williams current series of work is an exploration of the relationship between humans and nature. The work looks at the plastic divide between humans and the world at large, as well as the tragedy and disasters that come from ignoring the seemingly benign.
P. Williams’ began his professional career after graduating from Art Center College of Design with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration Design. His work is a combination of comics and realism, using two stylistic approaches, fundamentally opposed, allowing for a deeper conversation between the viewer and the artist. There is a cast of characters that perform in these paintings. Being iconic yet completely general. Through subtle manipulations, the characters become distorted to mirror internal conflict, landscapes change from one painting to the next yet they all manage to stay firmly rooted within the same world, the same characters, just a different chapter in the mythology of suburbia. His audience is appreciative of the fact that the modern suburban landscape is that of a warped nature, and the resulting social structures are equally warped. These paintings don’t need to reflect a specific explanation or a title but have items that relate to many storylines and possibilities within a wide range of people."
In his own words;
“ My paintings are fun, and they are supposed to be fun, but they are also intended to be challenging. In many ways, my work functions like a comic, drawing heavily on the lexicon of comic mechanisms, but also invents, distorts, and leaves few puzzles for the viewer to discover. The paintings can be viewed as single panels, or as a collection of snapshots of some novel, standing perfectly alone yet some how complete.
I am also heavily invested in myths, and the way that they relay information, ideas and of course, misconceptions. I explore the way myths and stories tell us how to exist within a society, and what is important. The weight that myths give to creation and destruction have come to function heavily in this current series. Burning foot hills, bleak skies and giant beasts, the work has evolved in to a myth system of it’s own. It is a collection of repeating symbols and metaphors perfect for reinterpretation of modern life.”
Definitely the copywriter of the month award. At Redux
All 811 E. Burnside
Collaborators Justin Gorman and Caleb Freese, who had a recent show at Ogle, show their work at Jáce Gáce. It's their place and their design sense, including culinary, makes for a sweet spot to savor art, beer and waffles. Jáce Gáce 2045 SE Belmont
One of my obscure interests is Butoh, a very modern dance form from Japan. You can search my older posts for plenty of reference. Tonight butoh fusion artist Akira Kasei performs. Kasei fuses eurythmy with butoh. So I guess that would be Waldorf Butoh. He has been teaching a workshop this week at Portland State and he and the students will perform together and separately tonight. I took the same workshop last year and there is no way you should not see this. He is quite the rock star at 63! At Imago Theater 17 SE 8th 7:30PM Free(!!!)
For something completely different, the Film Center is reprising the works of filmmaker Stanley Kubrick. Tonight it's 2001: A Space Odyssey. The vastness of space and cinematography demands seeing this as film on the big screen. This is the famous meditation on the meaning of life and our spiritual evolution. Let's get it right! It also stars HAL9000, the sensitive AI. A space traveler is led by the monolith through a wormhole to the beginning of time, to become the creator of the universe. (I think you have to read the book to get that, sorry for the spoiler, but the last fourth of the film is a little abstract) See also Dr Strangelove and A Clockwork Orange later in the series. At the NW Film Center's Whitsell Auditorium in the Art Museum $7/6 members 7PM
August 2 Westside Art Openings
First Thursday is becoming simpler. DeSoto Block, Everett Block, NW 5th x Couch art megaplex. Here are some notes:
In the DeSoto Block check all the spaces, though the exhibit in the Contemporary Crafts Museum, free anytime, deserves more than a quick scan.
At Blue Sky, there are some great pieces in a group show in the Nine Gallery conceptual space. There is also a reprieve of the Rephotographic Survey Project. The government trained photographers to document the Civil War. After, it sent them West. At the time, there was a strong transcendental movement and a belief that dramatic natural vistas, then unspoiled, were proof positive of the hand of a creator. The landscape photographs captured by these expeditionary photographers were also used by the government to market the West to settlers. These first photographers transported glass plates up to 24 inches square, coated them on site, exposed the glass negative, developed them in a tent darkroom, then carried them back, all by pack animal. The first Rephotographic Survey Project was conceived in 1977 by East Coast photography students in Rochester, NY, Mark Klett, trained as a geologist, Ellen Manchester, JoAnn Verburg and others. They journeyed West to photograph the classic landscape images of the mid-late 1800's from exactly the same vantage point. The resulting photographs were displayed side by side with the originals. The results of mining, erosion, logging and diminished water are plainly visible. Klett returns with a third view show of recent photos at Blue Sky now. Something to think about.
Klett himself will speak at the gallery Saturday September 1 at 3PM, free.
Blue Sky Gallery in the DeSoto building, NW Broadway and Davis
The Everett Station Lofts are always recommended for your viewing pleasure. Bounded by NW Broadway, Everett, 6th and Flanders.
You may have noticed there is some construction along 5th and 6th downtown. Hopefully you have not fallen down the rabbit hole because it is max treach. To celebrate the almost finishedness of the Old Town section, the City is throwing a free block party at 5th and Couch.
See the photo show at upper playground by Ricky Powell, "illy funksters", documenting the 80's hip hop scene in NY where it began. Powell also presents a slide show 4PM Saturday at the Gallery Upper Playground 23 NW 5th
At Compound, it's Bliss E*press: Illustrating Happiness. Artists Ogushi, Aya Kondo, Marcos Chin, Rain and Fuco Ueda show. Just Be Megaplex 107 NW 5th
Stop into the Portland Art Center which never disappoints. 32 NW 5th
Somewhere along the Portland Tranist Mall - 5th and 6th the Music Population Orchestra:PDX will play new chamber music. This is part of a series of performances held simultaneously in Oslo.
Just look for a small chamber orchestra with music stands and classical instruments. The plan, subject to improvisation is to begin at 7:00 at NW 4th and Flanders and continue South towards Burnside for a performance near the Chinatown Gateway Arch.
At 7:30, from the arch the orchestra will head West on Burnside and NW Couch until they reach the Park Blocks West of Broadway.
At 8:00 they will continue West a bit for as long as their weary legs will hold them, offering more of our "urban guerrilla chamber music" along the way.
Pushdot are some of the few local masters of putting digital photography to print. To do so is actually harder than with wet processing film and paper. That is pretty complicated in itself! The once mighty Kodak spent over 120 years getting film just right. There is a pile of color science including studies of what colors are found in nature, the inexact color temperature concept, CIE and Munsen mapping, multi primaries, the complexity of RGB-CMYK mapping and handling our uber-sensitivity to skin tone.
Pushdot helps photographers through the process. For select art photographers they mount exhibitions. Past work is available for sale on their website, a virtual gallery. This month they mount a 5 year retrospective group show. Soon they will move to the East side, reopening in a few months.
Pushdot Studio 830 NW 14th
Design Within Reach shows blown glass including lighting by local Esque Studio – Andi Kovel and Justin Parker. This small art studio has blazed a trail with projects for Donna Karan, Martha Stewart, Doug Fir, Skylab and W Hotels. They are also somewhat locally infamous for turning their studio into a kitchen with food baked for seconds at over 1000 degrees in their glass fires of Mordor. DWR 1200 NW 12th
The Art Institute of Portland is adapting to a cozy niche training industrial clothing designers and animators, as it should, because there are Portland jobs for them. There are also plenty of one person fashion units here turning out clothing you should wear. A world, national and local vector in clothing is sustainability. One look at the mountains of fabric never used, clothing never sold, rarely worn then sadly discarded and you get the idea. In the gallery, the AI shows clothing by local designers using sustainable materials including Emily Katz, Entermodal, Anna Cohen, Sameunderneath, Blairwear, Knot Ugly Designs, Faith Jennings and Flood Clothing.
AI Portland 1122 NW Davis until 8
The Portland City Hall has been doing early art openings every First Thursday. They run on narrow rails between populist and multicultural and that is fine. Tonight the theme is skate related. It's a perfect opportunity to collar your commissioner and tell them what you think. You can bring your board too, or better, go by board. Board of Art: A Historical Perspective of Stumptown Skate City Hall 1221 SW 4th 5-8PM
Self taught artist Joe Thurston shows new abstract work at Elizabeth Leach. Thurston previously produced glowering portraits that were strangely affecting. For this show he continues with wood as a canvas which has been meticulously incised with a hand chisel. See it at Elizabeth Leach Gallery 417 NW 9th
PDX presents a varied group show "True Bearing" with work by Sam Beebe, Christophe Berhault, Nick Blosser, Harrell Fletcher, Lucas Foglia, Justine Kurland, Raymond Meeks, Megan Murphy, Barbara Stafford, and Nell Warren. PDX Contemporary Art 925 NW Flanders until 8
In the DeSoto Block check all the spaces, though the exhibit in the Contemporary Crafts Museum, free anytime, deserves more than a quick scan.
At Blue Sky, there are some great pieces in a group show in the Nine Gallery conceptual space. There is also a reprieve of the Rephotographic Survey Project. The government trained photographers to document the Civil War. After, it sent them West. At the time, there was a strong transcendental movement and a belief that dramatic natural vistas, then unspoiled, were proof positive of the hand of a creator. The landscape photographs captured by these expeditionary photographers were also used by the government to market the West to settlers. These first photographers transported glass plates up to 24 inches square, coated them on site, exposed the glass negative, developed them in a tent darkroom, then carried them back, all by pack animal. The first Rephotographic Survey Project was conceived in 1977 by East Coast photography students in Rochester, NY, Mark Klett, trained as a geologist, Ellen Manchester, JoAnn Verburg and others. They journeyed West to photograph the classic landscape images of the mid-late 1800's from exactly the same vantage point. The resulting photographs were displayed side by side with the originals. The results of mining, erosion, logging and diminished water are plainly visible. Klett returns with a third view show of recent photos at Blue Sky now. Something to think about.
Klett himself will speak at the gallery Saturday September 1 at 3PM, free.
Blue Sky Gallery in the DeSoto building, NW Broadway and Davis
The Everett Station Lofts are always recommended for your viewing pleasure. Bounded by NW Broadway, Everett, 6th and Flanders.
You may have noticed there is some construction along 5th and 6th downtown. Hopefully you have not fallen down the rabbit hole because it is max treach. To celebrate the almost finishedness of the Old Town section, the City is throwing a free block party at 5th and Couch.
See the photo show at upper playground by Ricky Powell, "illy funksters", documenting the 80's hip hop scene in NY where it began. Powell also presents a slide show 4PM Saturday at the Gallery Upper Playground 23 NW 5th
At Compound, it's Bliss E*press: Illustrating Happiness. Artists Ogushi, Aya Kondo, Marcos Chin, Rain and Fuco Ueda show. Just Be Megaplex 107 NW 5th
Stop into the Portland Art Center which never disappoints. 32 NW 5th
Somewhere along the Portland Tranist Mall - 5th and 6th the Music Population Orchestra:PDX will play new chamber music. This is part of a series of performances held simultaneously in Oslo.
Just look for a small chamber orchestra with music stands and classical instruments. The plan, subject to improvisation is to begin at 7:00 at NW 4th and Flanders and continue South towards Burnside for a performance near the Chinatown Gateway Arch.
At 7:30, from the arch the orchestra will head West on Burnside and NW Couch until they reach the Park Blocks West of Broadway.
At 8:00 they will continue West a bit for as long as their weary legs will hold them, offering more of our "urban guerrilla chamber music" along the way.
Pushdot are some of the few local masters of putting digital photography to print. To do so is actually harder than with wet processing film and paper. That is pretty complicated in itself! The once mighty Kodak spent over 120 years getting film just right. There is a pile of color science including studies of what colors are found in nature, the inexact color temperature concept, CIE and Munsen mapping, multi primaries, the complexity of RGB-CMYK mapping and handling our uber-sensitivity to skin tone.
Pushdot helps photographers through the process. For select art photographers they mount exhibitions. Past work is available for sale on their website, a virtual gallery. This month they mount a 5 year retrospective group show. Soon they will move to the East side, reopening in a few months.
Pushdot Studio 830 NW 14th
Design Within Reach shows blown glass including lighting by local Esque Studio – Andi Kovel and Justin Parker. This small art studio has blazed a trail with projects for Donna Karan, Martha Stewart, Doug Fir, Skylab and W Hotels. They are also somewhat locally infamous for turning their studio into a kitchen with food baked for seconds at over 1000 degrees in their glass fires of Mordor. DWR 1200 NW 12th
The Art Institute of Portland is adapting to a cozy niche training industrial clothing designers and animators, as it should, because there are Portland jobs for them. There are also plenty of one person fashion units here turning out clothing you should wear. A world, national and local vector in clothing is sustainability. One look at the mountains of fabric never used, clothing never sold, rarely worn then sadly discarded and you get the idea. In the gallery, the AI shows clothing by local designers using sustainable materials including Emily Katz, Entermodal, Anna Cohen, Sameunderneath, Blairwear, Knot Ugly Designs, Faith Jennings and Flood Clothing.
AI Portland 1122 NW Davis until 8
The Portland City Hall has been doing early art openings every First Thursday. They run on narrow rails between populist and multicultural and that is fine. Tonight the theme is skate related. It's a perfect opportunity to collar your commissioner and tell them what you think. You can bring your board too, or better, go by board. Board of Art: A Historical Perspective of Stumptown Skate City Hall 1221 SW 4th 5-8PM
Self taught artist Joe Thurston shows new abstract work at Elizabeth Leach. Thurston previously produced glowering portraits that were strangely affecting. For this show he continues with wood as a canvas which has been meticulously incised with a hand chisel. See it at Elizabeth Leach Gallery 417 NW 9th
PDX presents a varied group show "True Bearing" with work by Sam Beebe, Christophe Berhault, Nick Blosser, Harrell Fletcher, Lucas Foglia, Justine Kurland, Raymond Meeks, Megan Murphy, Barbara Stafford, and Nell Warren. PDX Contemporary Art 925 NW Flanders until 8
July 31 Bikes and Cars - Friends or Foes?
I like the Bus Project. They put fun into politics. If it is fun, people will vote. That's one way to change the world. I've put a lot of energy into elections, sometimes at great personal risk. If you doubt the importance of voting, check the recent supreme court decisions. A few more thoughtful votes in Florida and we wouldn't be in Iraq. The list goes on.
One way the Bus Project makes it fun are some light hearted debates. Tonight's is on the relationship between gas powered and people powered transport. Cars v bikes. An upbeat atmosphere. Plenty of drinks and conversation all around. Moderated by Sam Adams, who is responsible for Portland's City Transport Department.
The bike team is Johnathan Maus founder of the excellent bikeportland.org blog and Johnathan Bricker, Policy Director and Executive Director of the Bicycle Transportation Alliance.
The car team is Mel Zucker of the Oregon Transportation Institute and Sreya Sarkar of the Cascade Policy Institute. The Cascade Policy Institute is a conservative think tank responsible for policy innovations such as counting hatchery fish to determine if wild salmon are threatened with extinction under the Endangered Species Act. (hatchery fish = no extinction) They are very effective at what they do.
Arrive early, for the last debate, the billion bikes engulfed every bike rack around.
At Rontoms 600 E Burnside 7PM Free
One way the Bus Project makes it fun are some light hearted debates. Tonight's is on the relationship between gas powered and people powered transport. Cars v bikes. An upbeat atmosphere. Plenty of drinks and conversation all around. Moderated by Sam Adams, who is responsible for Portland's City Transport Department.
The bike team is Johnathan Maus founder of the excellent bikeportland.org blog and Johnathan Bricker, Policy Director and Executive Director of the Bicycle Transportation Alliance.
The car team is Mel Zucker of the Oregon Transportation Institute and Sreya Sarkar of the Cascade Policy Institute. The Cascade Policy Institute is a conservative think tank responsible for policy innovations such as counting hatchery fish to determine if wild salmon are threatened with extinction under the Endangered Species Act. (hatchery fish = no extinction) They are very effective at what they do.
Arrive early, for the last debate, the billion bikes engulfed every bike rack around.
At Rontoms 600 E Burnside 7PM Free
Saturday, July 21, 2007
July 29 Water in the Desert (and July 24,27,28)
Butoh is a very modern dance form of sorts, originated in Japan, and unlike any other movement form you have seen. Usually improvised, it ranges from beautiful ritual performances by large international touring companies with a budget such as Dairakudakan and Sankai Juku to intimate living room performances. Of course you can do your own butoh anytime in the park or wherever you are so inspired. Especially true as many performers draw their improvisational inspiration from nature.
Butoh has experienced a diaspora from its origins in Japan. Seattle is one center as the result of butoh artist Joan Laage's work there. The late Doranne Crable worked in Olympia, influencing generations of Evergreen College artists. San Francisco is a center, anchored by the craziest sushi bar owner of the late Country Station Sushi, Koichi Tamano, an early collaborator in Japan with butoh's founder. Portland is also a center as a result of interchanges with San Francisco, Olympia and Seattle as well as an active workshop program at Portland State University.
Butoh artist Mizu Desierto, (water in Japanese+desert in Spanish), was once bitten by a rattlesnake in the Arizona desert. She survived, but it left an imprint. She has collaborated, studied and performed with Mexican butoh artist Diego Piñón, Kazuo and Yohsito Ohno and the Tamano's.
She presents for your pleasure, consideration and meditation Water in the Desert, a festival of art, ritual performance ecology and consciousness. In the day, musicians perform and there will be a variety of talks and workshops. In the evening, the river itself will become part of a performance, the performers lit by the full moon.
There is also a series of butoh workshops as part of the festival by visiting artists Syzygy Butoh (July 24 6-9) & Harupin-Ha Butoh Theatre (July 27 6-9), and an intensive with Harupin-Ha (July 28 3-7)at very reasonable prices. See the website for details.
At Cathedral Park, under the St Johns Bridge. Art, music, workshops 2-9PM. Performance 9-11PM Free
Butoh has experienced a diaspora from its origins in Japan. Seattle is one center as the result of butoh artist Joan Laage's work there. The late Doranne Crable worked in Olympia, influencing generations of Evergreen College artists. San Francisco is a center, anchored by the craziest sushi bar owner of the late Country Station Sushi, Koichi Tamano, an early collaborator in Japan with butoh's founder. Portland is also a center as a result of interchanges with San Francisco, Olympia and Seattle as well as an active workshop program at Portland State University.
Butoh artist Mizu Desierto, (water in Japanese+desert in Spanish), was once bitten by a rattlesnake in the Arizona desert. She survived, but it left an imprint. She has collaborated, studied and performed with Mexican butoh artist Diego Piñón, Kazuo and Yohsito Ohno and the Tamano's.
She presents for your pleasure, consideration and meditation Water in the Desert, a festival of art, ritual performance ecology and consciousness. In the day, musicians perform and there will be a variety of talks and workshops. In the evening, the river itself will become part of a performance, the performers lit by the full moon.
There is also a series of butoh workshops as part of the festival by visiting artists Syzygy Butoh (July 24 6-9) & Harupin-Ha Butoh Theatre (July 27 6-9), and an intensive with Harupin-Ha (July 28 3-7)at very reasonable prices. See the website for details.
At Cathedral Park, under the St Johns Bridge. Art, music, workshops 2-9PM. Performance 9-11PM Free
July 28 - August 3
Portland flamenco artist Laurena Marone is a force of nature. She is responsible for flamenco in Portland. Flamenco here has reached sufficient critical mass to host a festival which brings artists from flamenco's traditional home in Spain's Jerez de la Frontera.
The Flamenco Festival hosts flamenco artists from Spain for performances and workshops; for adults and children. Details at Portland Flamenco Festival
The Flamenco Festival hosts flamenco artists from Spain for performances and workshops; for adults and children. Details at Portland Flamenco Festival
Monday, July 16, 2007
July 22 Kristof on Darfur
"He did not think of himself as a tourist; he was a traveler.
The difference is partly one of time, he would explain. Whereas the tourist generally hurries back home at the end of a few weeks or months, the traveler, belonging no more to one place than to the next, moves slowly, over periods of years, from one part of the earth to another. Indeed, he would have found it difficult to tell, among the many places he had lived, precisely where it was he had felt most at home. ... another important difference between tourist and traveler is that the former accepts his own civilization without question; not so the traveler, who compares it with the others, and rejects those elements he finds not to his liking."
- The Sheltering Sky Paul Bowles (c) Harper Collins
Beyond the traveler is the world changer. NY Times journalist Nicholas Kristof is one.
He won his first Pulitzer for reporting on the ground the Chinese Democracy Movement. Those 1989 events are the reason that search engines in China are censored today.
Reporting on human rights issues worldwide, Kristof has been an early and consistent voice on the tragedy in Darfur, Sudan, for which he won his second Pulitzer.
Sponsored by Amnesty International, Kristof speaks at the Temple Beth Israel 1972 NW Flanders 7PM Free
The difference is partly one of time, he would explain. Whereas the tourist generally hurries back home at the end of a few weeks or months, the traveler, belonging no more to one place than to the next, moves slowly, over periods of years, from one part of the earth to another. Indeed, he would have found it difficult to tell, among the many places he had lived, precisely where it was he had felt most at home. ... another important difference between tourist and traveler is that the former accepts his own civilization without question; not so the traveler, who compares it with the others, and rejects those elements he finds not to his liking."
- The Sheltering Sky Paul Bowles (c) Harper Collins
Beyond the traveler is the world changer. NY Times journalist Nicholas Kristof is one.
He won his first Pulitzer for reporting on the ground the Chinese Democracy Movement. Those 1989 events are the reason that search engines in China are censored today.
Reporting on human rights issues worldwide, Kristof has been an early and consistent voice on the tragedy in Darfur, Sudan, for which he won his second Pulitzer.
Sponsored by Amnesty International, Kristof speaks at the Temple Beth Israel 1972 NW Flanders 7PM Free
July 22 Carton Service Movement Project
The Carton Service is where you get cardboard boxes for moving. Ken Unkeles, the owner, also owns many artist friendly warehouses where your friends create. Tonight movement artists, musicians, space shapers and lighting makers take over the Carton Service Warehouse.
Sculptor Dana Lynn Louis; lighting designer Malina Rodriguez; choreographers, Daniel Addy, Linda K. Johnson, Carla Mann; musicians, Tim DuRoche, Heather Perkins, Luke Wyland; dancers, Daniel Addy, Katie Arrants, Margretta Hansen, Linda K. Johnson, Carla Mann, Neena Marks, Jim McGinn, Sy Parrish, technical director Demetri Pavlatosmake and event planner Elise Bartow make a performance in the buildings odd spaces. Your guide, as the audience, through the warehouse's warrens, Ken Unkeles.
Reservations required for performances 4:30, 6, 7:30 & 9 PM, with plenty of time for socializing betwixt. Reservations by phone or e-mail through July 21: 503-774-0043 or cartonserviceproject@fastmail.fm.
When making a reservation, please let them know:
Your name
Which performance 4:30, 6, 7:30 or 9pm
How many tickets
Your phone number or e-mail address
They will contact you only if there is a question about your reservation. Otherwise, please assume your reservation is confirmed. Pay at the door by cash or check when you arrive. $20 general; $15 student, senior, artist
2211 NW Front Ave. (Naito Parkway) 1/4 mile North of the Fremont bridge - a large brick building with "Carton Service"
Sculptor Dana Lynn Louis; lighting designer Malina Rodriguez; choreographers, Daniel Addy, Linda K. Johnson, Carla Mann; musicians, Tim DuRoche, Heather Perkins, Luke Wyland; dancers, Daniel Addy, Katie Arrants, Margretta Hansen, Linda K. Johnson, Carla Mann, Neena Marks, Jim McGinn, Sy Parrish, technical director Demetri Pavlatosmake and event planner Elise Bartow make a performance in the buildings odd spaces. Your guide, as the audience, through the warehouse's warrens, Ken Unkeles.
Reservations required for performances 4:30, 6, 7:30 & 9 PM, with plenty of time for socializing betwixt. Reservations by phone or e-mail through July 21: 503-774-0043 or cartonserviceproject@fastmail.fm.
When making a reservation, please let them know:
Your name
Which performance 4:30, 6, 7:30 or 9pm
How many tickets
Your phone number or e-mail address
They will contact you only if there is a question about your reservation. Otherwise, please assume your reservation is confirmed. Pay at the door by cash or check when you arrive. $20 general; $15 student, senior, artist
2211 NW Front Ave. (Naito Parkway) 1/4 mile North of the Fremont bridge - a large brick building with "Carton Service"
Jul 22 DeSoto Art Block Party
Once upon a time, there were many car companies. That would be in contrast to today's FordLincolnMercuryMazdaVolvoJaguarLandRover and GMBuickCadillacHoldenHummerOpelPontiacSaabSaturnVauxhall- DaewooGoodwrenchDelcoOnStarGMAC. One of those companies was DeSoto, whose faded sign graces the old brick building bounded by NW Broadway, Couch, Davis and Park. That building is now the super art block. The Contemporary Crafts Museum, the Blue Sky Gallery, Augen, Froelick and Hartman Fine Art.
To celebrate its opening there are tours and a block party. A variety of talks, crafts demonstrations, kids things and musical events span the afternoon. The full schedule is at http://www.contemporarycrafts.org/pdf/2007_07_22_Craft_PDX.pdf.
DeSoto Art Block Party Contemporary Crafts Museum Opening. Noon-7 Free
To celebrate its opening there are tours and a block party. A variety of talks, crafts demonstrations, kids things and musical events span the afternoon. The full schedule is at http://www.contemporarycrafts.org/pdf/2007_07_22_Craft_PDX.pdf.
DeSoto Art Block Party Contemporary Crafts Museum Opening. Noon-7 Free
July 21-22 Expdoc Films of Mark LaPore
The late Mark LaPore (1952-2005) combined field footage shot in Sudan, Sri Lanka, India, Burma, Thailand and Europe into experimental documentaries. Sometimes American footage was intermixed. Curator and friend of the filmmaker Mark McElhatten will present the work.
Saturday
A Depression in the Bay of Bengal [1996, 16mm, color, sound, 28 min]
The Five Bad Elements [1998, 16mm, b&w, sound, 32 min]
The Glass System [2000, 16mm, color, sound, 20 min]
Untitled (Camera Rolls) [2005, 16mm, b&w, silent, 5 min]
Sunday
Lunatic Princess [2005, video, b&w, sound, 4 min ]
Kolkata [2005, 16mm, b&w, sound, 35 min]
The Sleepers [1989, 16mm, color, sound, 16 min]
The Glass System [2000 16mm, color, sound, 20 min]
Untitled (for David Gatten) (with Phil Solomon) [2005, video, color, sound, 5 min]
Details at http://cinemaproject.org/screenings.html At New American Art Union 922 SE Ankeny 7:30PM $6
Saturday
A Depression in the Bay of Bengal [1996, 16mm, color, sound, 28 min]
The Five Bad Elements [1998, 16mm, b&w, sound, 32 min]
The Glass System [2000, 16mm, color, sound, 20 min]
Untitled (Camera Rolls) [2005, 16mm, b&w, silent, 5 min]
Sunday
Lunatic Princess [2005, video, b&w, sound, 4 min ]
Kolkata [2005, 16mm, b&w, sound, 35 min]
The Sleepers [1989, 16mm, color, sound, 16 min]
The Glass System [2000 16mm, color, sound, 20 min]
Untitled (for David Gatten) (with Phil Solomon) [2005, video, color, sound, 5 min]
Details at http://cinemaproject.org/screenings.html At New American Art Union 922 SE Ankeny 7:30PM $6
July 21 Rose City Rollers v Denver Rocky Mt Roller Girls 5280 Fight Club
The Rose City Rollers play with Denver's Rocky Mountain Roller Girls 5280 Fight Club rather than just playing with themselves. That means the Portland Team, made up of the all star members of the 4 component teams, are playing. Also on the bill, Portland's farm team faces off with Olympia's team. At the Expo Center. Go By Train.
http://rosecityrollers.com/rosecityrollersevents.php Doors 5PM, roll 6. Tickets $15-25 often sell out.
http://rosecityrollers.com/rosecityrollersevents.php Doors 5PM, roll 6. Tickets $15-25 often sell out.
July 21 Anoushka Shankar + Karsh Kale
India's centuries old classical music has been passed from guru to disciple through apprenticeships which begin in childhood. An essential part of the music, and the teaching, is spiritual. It is not uncommon for the teaching relationship to span generations in families. Difficult to imagine from the experience of our independent upbringing, schooling and institutionalized rebellion.
Thus imagine the relationship between musician father, teacher, guru Ravi Shankar and musician daughter Anoushka Shankar. A friend went to high school with her and relates the challenges she faced traversing that complex relationship in the context of a California upbringing. Now 26, Anoushka Shankar is a musical force of nature. She performs classical music regularly, sometimes sharing the stage with her father. Tonight though, she performs with Karsh Kale. Kale is a renowned Asian fusion DJ, producer and collaborator in Tabla Beat Science.
They perform Saturday on Whidbey at the Island Festival, in its first year, and also in San Francisco at the Stern Grove event Sunday. Details http://www.islandfestival.com/
Thus imagine the relationship between musician father, teacher, guru Ravi Shankar and musician daughter Anoushka Shankar. A friend went to high school with her and relates the challenges she faced traversing that complex relationship in the context of a California upbringing. Now 26, Anoushka Shankar is a musical force of nature. She performs classical music regularly, sometimes sharing the stage with her father. Tonight though, she performs with Karsh Kale. Kale is a renowned Asian fusion DJ, producer and collaborator in Tabla Beat Science.
They perform Saturday on Whidbey at the Island Festival, in its first year, and also in San Francisco at the Stern Grove event Sunday. Details http://www.islandfestival.com/
July 21 Free Geek Recyclery
Is Portland geekier than other cities? We do have a large open source community. Linus Torvalds, Mr Linux himself, lives here. Groups like Personal Telco install WiFi in cafes here for free. People spend career years without vacations designing a single chip here. Circuit benders are creating quiet mayhem. You could argue that the Sprockettes and Zoobombers are pretty geeky. How about those tall bikers? The Rebuilding Center, SCRAP, crafters....
One of Portland's geekiest brilliant useful things is Free Geek. They accept donations of old computers. They teach you how to Frankenstein the pieces into a new computer body, load an open source software brain into it, teach you how to use the interwebs and control the monster, and send you home with it. Free. They also set up non profit computer environments and recycle old computer bodies properly.
Every year they celebrate with a street fair. It's for kids, grown up kids and adults. Music, games, puppets, magic, talks, a dunk tank, even more! Details are here: http://www.freegeek.org/geekfair/.
At Free Geek. 1731 SE 10th 1-7PM Free
That same day, the Recyclery, a few blocks away are having a bike swap. The Recyclery isn't a non profit, but it has some of the Free Geek feel for a bike shop.
The Recyclery 1417 SE 9th & Madison
One of Portland's geekiest brilliant useful things is Free Geek. They accept donations of old computers. They teach you how to Frankenstein the pieces into a new computer body, load an open source software brain into it, teach you how to use the interwebs and control the monster, and send you home with it. Free. They also set up non profit computer environments and recycle old computer bodies properly.
Every year they celebrate with a street fair. It's for kids, grown up kids and adults. Music, games, puppets, magic, talks, a dunk tank, even more! Details are here: http://www.freegeek.org/geekfair/.
At Free Geek. 1731 SE 10th 1-7PM Free
That same day, the Recyclery, a few blocks away are having a bike swap. The Recyclery isn't a non profit, but it has some of the Free Geek feel for a bike shop.
The Recyclery 1417 SE 9th & Madison
July 19 - 21 Ashes 2 Ashes Battle
Ashes 2 Ashes is a locally based b-boy-girl battle drawin' national talents. They are ampin' it up this year with some venues to respect. Fits.
Thursday the preparty is at Someday Lounge. DJ's Forrest Getumgump (NYC), Waajeed, Rev Shines (Lifesavas-PDX), Ohmega Watts (Lightheaded-PDX), Kez (360 Vinyl-PDX) and Dundiggy (RockBox-PDX) spin for open cipers. Sorry kids, 21+
Friday battle it. This is a full crew event. You got 5, 10 in your crew? Bring em. 32 crews will battle down to 8 finalists. Friday'z at the Wonder Ballroom.
Saturday it'z King of the Hill. Who's goin to be it? The 8 crews will battle it out with 10 supastars - Kid David (Renegades - San Francisco, CA); Ryoma (Mortal Kombat - Osaka, Japan); Tells-1 the Rebirth(Street Masters - Miami, FL); So (Gamblers - Seoul, Korea); Kareem (Rock Force - Sacramento, CA); Luigi (Rock Steady Crew - Worldwide); Albert (Knuckle Headz - Los Angeles, CA); Dyzee (Supernaturalz - Toronto, CAN); Casper (Boogie Brats - Vancouver, CAN); Marlon (Havikoro - Houston, TX).
The wordz of the judges - Free (Circle of Fire), Nabil (Killafornia) and Waak (Breaks Kru) - iz final.
Skeme Richards (Philadelphia) and Forrest Getumgump (NYC) be layin' down fresh beats.
Ther'z an afta' party at the Doug Fir. Skeme Richards, Ohmega Watts, Reverend Shines. 21+ again.
Check the fine prints at Amplified Techniques or the Myspace.
Thursday Someday 21+ 9PM-2:30AM $5
Friday Wonder Ballroom all ages 7PM $15
Saturday Newmark Theater (!!) all ages 7PM prompt $22.50/$27.50
Saturday Doug Fir 21+ 9?PM-2:30AM $10
Thursday the preparty is at Someday Lounge. DJ's Forrest Getumgump (NYC), Waajeed, Rev Shines (Lifesavas-PDX), Ohmega Watts (Lightheaded-PDX), Kez (360 Vinyl-PDX) and Dundiggy (RockBox-PDX) spin for open cipers. Sorry kids, 21+
Friday battle it. This is a full crew event. You got 5, 10 in your crew? Bring em. 32 crews will battle down to 8 finalists. Friday'z at the Wonder Ballroom.
Saturday it'z King of the Hill. Who's goin to be it? The 8 crews will battle it out with 10 supastars - Kid David (Renegades - San Francisco, CA); Ryoma (Mortal Kombat - Osaka, Japan); Tells-1 the Rebirth(Street Masters - Miami, FL); So (Gamblers - Seoul, Korea); Kareem (Rock Force - Sacramento, CA); Luigi (Rock Steady Crew - Worldwide); Albert (Knuckle Headz - Los Angeles, CA); Dyzee (Supernaturalz - Toronto, CAN); Casper (Boogie Brats - Vancouver, CAN); Marlon (Havikoro - Houston, TX).
The wordz of the judges - Free (Circle of Fire), Nabil (Killafornia) and Waak (Breaks Kru) - iz final.
Skeme Richards (Philadelphia) and Forrest Getumgump (NYC) be layin' down fresh beats.
Ther'z an afta' party at the Doug Fir. Skeme Richards, Ohmega Watts, Reverend Shines. 21+ again.
Check the fine prints at Amplified Techniques or the Myspace.
Thursday Someday 21+ 9PM-2:30AM $5
Friday Wonder Ballroom all ages 7PM $15
Saturday Newmark Theater (!!) all ages 7PM prompt $22.50/$27.50
Saturday Doug Fir 21+ 9?PM-2:30AM $10
July 19 911 VJ Night with Epiphanous
911's VJ night continues with guest Epiphanous, VJ to performers AmonTobin and BassNectar. VJ's sometimes, called visualists, mix video samples live. Their work is much more difficult, combining hundreds of samples per minute and often 3 or more layers. Collecting samples is a challenge too, even more so, to produce original material. These nights are a chance to explore the process and the results. At 911 Media Arts 402 9th Ave N. Seattle 7:30 PM $5
July 19 Strayer Iosca at Chambers Gallery
Jenny Strayer's photo collages recall Lynnn Hershman and early surrealists. Philip Iosca makes elegant minimalist sculptures, often with a conceptual edge. At www.chambersgallery.org 207 SW Pine 5:30-8:30PM
July 17 The Birds
PSU professor of art, Sue Taylor, deconstructs Hitchcock's seminal film, The Birds. Taylor is known as one of the few nationally published arts writers in Portland. She often pursues a psychoanalytic approach to the work of artists including Jackson Pollock, Eve Hesse, Hans Belmer, and, for an upcoming book, Grant Wood. This is a nice pairing with the Grass Hut birds show, profiled July 6 below.
PSU Art Building 5th and SW Jackson Room 200, Noon, Free
PSU Art Building 5th and SW Jackson Room 200, Noon, Free
July 16 Back Room Party
Portland has almost too many literary subcultures, many overlapping, to count. Perhaps it is the rainy winters making readers of us. And writers. Or the cafe culture of Portland's left and right bank. Powell's, fair brother to the Strand, with its intimate connection to our senior senator. The Tin House, the IPRC, literary lecture series for which which 2000 people will pay to sit and listen. Even Dark Horse.
One of those is the Back Room. The Back Room prepared a magical admixture of writers and artists speaking of their work, music by some of Portland's sweetest musicians, participants in a long standing word of mouth invite only underground cultural salon and tasty meals prepared family style by some of Portland's internationally noted noted culinary artists.
The writings of many of the guest artists have been collected in a book - the back room: an anthology. Tonight marks the release of the book. All 500 pages of it. There will be live music, a lively crowd, creative talk. No food tonight and BYOB if you like.
At Podkrepa Hall, 2116 North Killingsworth. 6:30PM $8 admission, $16 includes the excellent anthology itself, of the same value.
One of those is the Back Room. The Back Room prepared a magical admixture of writers and artists speaking of their work, music by some of Portland's sweetest musicians, participants in a long standing word of mouth invite only underground cultural salon and tasty meals prepared family style by some of Portland's internationally noted noted culinary artists.
The writings of many of the guest artists have been collected in a book - the back room: an anthology. Tonight marks the release of the book. All 500 pages of it. There will be live music, a lively crowd, creative talk. No food tonight and BYOB if you like.
At Podkrepa Hall, 2116 North Killingsworth. 6:30PM $8 admission, $16 includes the excellent anthology itself, of the same value.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
July 11,21,29 August 2 New Music in New Places: Can You Hear It
The Music Population Orchestra plays new music on old instruments in new places. That would be in contrast to old music on old instruments in old places - classic classical; new music on new instruments in new places - pop, or no music on no instruments in new places - noise; and so forth.
Translation: The Music Population Project, founded in Portland by Brede Rørstad, now operating out of Portland and Oslo, Norway, plays new compositions, sometimes including electronic parts, on classical music instruments, in non traditional venues, for cheap or free. Breaking and remaking today's classical music into something perhaps like its OG origins, when chamber music was pop.
Each of the Music Porpulation Orchestras - mpo:portland and mpo:oslo unfold parallel concerts:
OSLO
Wednesday, July 11th, 7pm - Ibsenkvartalet
Saturday, July 21st, 2pm – Vaterlandsparken
Sunday, July 29th, 4pm – Tullinløkka
Thursday, August 2nd, 7pm – Fridtjof Nansens Plass
PORTLAND
Wednesday, July 11th, 7pm - Gerding Theater at the Armory
Saturday, July 21st, 7pm - South Waterfront
Sunday, July 29th, 2pm - Bridgeport Village
Thursday, August 2nd, 7pm - The Portland Bus Mall
The project is an exploration of the interplay between the instantaneous vibrational passing of live music and the long lived built architecture surrounding its echoes. The project will ultimately result in a documentary.
More information is available at the Oslo::PDX sister city blog.
Note: from the performance last evening... I met several filmographers working on documenting the performances, so stay tuned for the final cut. It was fun seeing street passersby ignore, scan or become involved in the outdoor performance. A rent-a -cop threatened to arrest the musicians but for the organizers' cultural cred, passed by. The musicianship was excellent, judged by my experience making hundreds of recordings at one of America's top music conservatories.
Translation: The Music Population Project, founded in Portland by Brede Rørstad, now operating out of Portland and Oslo, Norway, plays new compositions, sometimes including electronic parts, on classical music instruments, in non traditional venues, for cheap or free. Breaking and remaking today's classical music into something perhaps like its OG origins, when chamber music was pop.
Each of the Music Porpulation Orchestras - mpo:portland and mpo:oslo unfold parallel concerts:
OSLO
Wednesday, July 11th, 7pm - Ibsenkvartalet
Saturday, July 21st, 2pm – Vaterlandsparken
Sunday, July 29th, 4pm – Tullinløkka
Thursday, August 2nd, 7pm – Fridtjof Nansens Plass
PORTLAND
Wednesday, July 11th, 7pm - Gerding Theater at the Armory
Saturday, July 21st, 7pm - South Waterfront
Sunday, July 29th, 2pm - Bridgeport Village
Thursday, August 2nd, 7pm - The Portland Bus Mall
The project is an exploration of the interplay between the instantaneous vibrational passing of live music and the long lived built architecture surrounding its echoes. The project will ultimately result in a documentary.
More information is available at the Oslo::PDX sister city blog.
Note: from the performance last evening... I met several filmographers working on documenting the performances, so stay tuned for the final cut. It was fun seeing street passersby ignore, scan or become involved in the outdoor performance. A rent-a -cop threatened to arrest the musicians but for the organizers' cultural cred, passed by. The musicianship was excellent, judged by my experience making hundreds of recordings at one of America's top music conservatories.
Thursday, July 05, 2007
July 12 Graphic Design and Branding in the Early Television Era POSTPONED
Mr Dorfsman, 87 on the advice of his physician, is postponing his trip. Hopefully it can be rescheduled in the fall. Best wishes for good health!
Many artists look askance at branding. Yet they are doing it every minute. Likewise, beginning in the 1940's, television made decisions on graphics and design which became their brand. In the 1990's branding gained explicit momentum. Seemingly simple, branding is external identity, but to do it well is a challenge.
Lou Dorfsman was a graphic designer who became the creative director for the CBS television network from the late 1940's through the 1980's. Back when television was a cultural force. CBS was William S Paley, Edward R Murrow, Walter Cronkite, the eye logo.
Dorfsman had influence beyond the CBS graphic identity, laying the groundwork for the network's advertising, marketing, ratings and the design of the headquarters building (Saarinen!). Branding. For a flavor of Dorsfman's work, see "Dorfsman and CBS".
Lou Dorfsman speaks at W+K. 224 NW 13th 4:30 Free CANCELED
Many artists look askance at branding. Yet they are doing it every minute. Likewise, beginning in the 1940's, television made decisions on graphics and design which became their brand. In the 1990's branding gained explicit momentum. Seemingly simple, branding is external identity, but to do it well is a challenge.
Lou Dorfsman was a graphic designer who became the creative director for the CBS television network from the late 1940's through the 1980's. Back when television was a cultural force. CBS was William S Paley, Edward R Murrow, Walter Cronkite, the eye logo.
Dorfsman had influence beyond the CBS graphic identity, laying the groundwork for the network's advertising, marketing, ratings and the design of the headquarters building (Saarinen!). Branding. For a flavor of Dorsfman's work, see "Dorfsman and CBS".
Lou Dorfsman speaks at W+K. 224 NW 13th 4:30 Free CANCELED
July 7 Gallery Homeland Shebang
Gallery Homeland throws a launch party presentation. Homeland has a global reach, with curator-artist Paul Middendorf hitting the Euro art season hot spots and generally agitating on the behalf of Portland artists at international art fairs in the Hamptons and Miami. If you saw the art projects by the Willamette River on the esplanade last year (and in the river upon occasion) - that was Homeland's "Scratching the Surface". Tonight artists Sean Healy and Jesse Hayward discuss their experience of Portland art in the international context. Homeland will also review plans for this year's "Scratching the Surface" which will hopefully not involve the maintenance guy carting away the art just before the show thinking it refuse (which actually happened last year). After the talks, there will be plenty of time for socializing, a BBQ, drinks and a dance party. At Mark Woolley Gallery 128 NE Russell 7PM $10 (includes food! and there is something about prizes in the announcement??)
July 6 Eastside Art Openings
811 Block
Birds are everywhere, but for how long? The industrial revolution fueled by rapacious resource extraction generated massive new wealth. For some benefiting, the incorporation of bird feathers and even complete bird carcases into hats became the fashion rage.
In addition, mass production placed firearms within the reach of many Americans, in turn, placing birds within the reach of gunowners. Many species were literally driven into extinction by hunting. The massive depopulation of birds in the late 1800's alarmed many, fueling the founding of the National Audubon Society and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds in England and their rapid growth. The movement to save birds was one of the earliest environmental movements.
There is a revival of plumassier today, so if you see their displays in public you might inquire how sustainable their source.
"The New Birds" is an art show to benefit the local Audubon Society. Artists Apak, Evan Harris, Martin Ontiveros, Bwana Spoons, Scrappers, Keith Shore, Amy Ruppel, Katy Horan, Matthew Feyld, Stefanie Choi, Tripper, Steve Mathews, Meredith Mathews, Brett Superstar, J.Otto, Cyrus Smith, Ryan Berkley, Adain Koch, David Neevel, Mr. Pinks, Shawn Creeden, Amy Morrison, Nick Robins, Jon Izen, Reverend Benny Bob, David Wein, Betsy Walton, Keith Greiman, Klutch, Matthew di Leo, Phoneticontrol, Mama Morgan and Maxwell Loren Holyoke-hirsch, Shayla Hason, more even, contribute their artistic meditations on bird.
At the Grass Hut http://www.grasshutcorp.blogspot.com/
Kendra Binney creates kawaii-styled work [1,2], but it is the eyes that get you. Her figures have preternaturally large eyes. They are dreamers and her paintings, their maybe dreams, hued in a subtle blue palate. Excellent. At Moshi Moshi http://www.moshi-moshi.com/
Joseph Valentino shows multiple exposure Polaroid (how did he do that?!) that have been modded up by collage at Redux http://www.reduxpdx.com/
All 811 E Burnside
Artist David Eckard makes strange sculptures which could be imagined the fabrications, in steel, canvas, fur and leather, of farm animal prosthetics by a mad Finnish farmer. Perhaps they the prototypes of primitive agricultural machines. He also performs in his contraptions, combining physical risk with maybe masochism. Example include "Tournament" and "Widow's Walk", floating the River in a candle lit skeletal podium for Gallery Homeland's "Scratching the Surface" art project. His work is disturbing but much more subtle, though less endorphin-fueled, than the hook suspensionists. He shows drawings and sculptures at Mark Woolley Gallery http://markwoolley.com/ 128 NW Russell
The Rocket building is at 11th and Burnside. It is covered in sliding ply shutters, painted by artists curated by Ruthann Brown. The building is also green certified by the LEED program. Sustainability is yet at an early stage. That means what it means is not completely clear yet. So people are experimenting with a myriad of sustainability vectors. Here is a chance to see a fancy building where people thought about that in design and selection of materials. Rocket Building 1101 E Burnside
Artist Auditions creates fun in the usually painful dance between artists seeking representation and galleries seeking cold hard sales. Banishing that junior prom-like angst, the artist audition process is more a game. The first phase of selection involved a quest for golden tickets which contained the location of a secret event and the password. At the event the art-gamers were challenged to create an artist trading card. Following instructions to find the "woman in hot pink fishnets" at the next event, the artists exchanged their trading card for an envelope containing a white square stamped with a star. Their challenge was to create something with the star square using a Sharpie. Each phase also included a challenging Internet competitions for artists worldwide. Those artists who made it through these challenges show tonight. They are Aaliyah Gupta (WA, Aaron Morgan Brown (KS), Brynn Dizack (MA), Chris Miller (NY), Christian Rex van Minnen (CO), Jaime Lakatos (CA), Lisa Nersesova (TX), Matthew Broussard (Italy) and Naomi Falk (MI). This show is quite excellent, validating the Artist Auditions process. See it.
If you want in on the fun in the future, check http://www.artistauditions.org/
http://brianmarki.com/ 2236 NE Broadway
Brian Elliott makes ray guns and robots. Not transformer style, more 1950's sci-fi. What a great job! He shows some at 12x16 8235 SE 13th Ave., Suite 5, 432-3513
AMONG US AND CURIOUS is a national juried photo show. With 2000 images submitted, 32 Photographers and were selected including 3 Oregonians. To me the unfigured landscapes are not very interesting. The portraits and peopled landscapes are a pleasant and unique surprise. At Newspace http://www.newspacephoto.org/gallery/ 1632 SE 10th
Portland's Telegraph Arts presents the One Minute Film Festival tonight. Only slightly longer than a blipvert, these films tell a story in the manner of a television commercial. Short enough to guarantee you won't have time to get bored, but still leaving a residual impression of quality or not. At Holocene http://www.holocene.org $3-10 sliding scale
Birds are everywhere, but for how long? The industrial revolution fueled by rapacious resource extraction generated massive new wealth. For some benefiting, the incorporation of bird feathers and even complete bird carcases into hats became the fashion rage.
In addition, mass production placed firearms within the reach of many Americans, in turn, placing birds within the reach of gunowners. Many species were literally driven into extinction by hunting. The massive depopulation of birds in the late 1800's alarmed many, fueling the founding of the National Audubon Society and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds in England and their rapid growth. The movement to save birds was one of the earliest environmental movements.
There is a revival of plumassier today, so if you see their displays in public you might inquire how sustainable their source.
"The New Birds" is an art show to benefit the local Audubon Society. Artists Apak, Evan Harris, Martin Ontiveros, Bwana Spoons, Scrappers, Keith Shore, Amy Ruppel, Katy Horan, Matthew Feyld, Stefanie Choi, Tripper, Steve Mathews, Meredith Mathews, Brett Superstar, J.Otto, Cyrus Smith, Ryan Berkley, Adain Koch, David Neevel, Mr. Pinks, Shawn Creeden, Amy Morrison, Nick Robins, Jon Izen, Reverend Benny Bob, David Wein, Betsy Walton, Keith Greiman, Klutch, Matthew di Leo, Phoneticontrol, Mama Morgan and Maxwell Loren Holyoke-hirsch, Shayla Hason, more even, contribute their artistic meditations on bird.
At the Grass Hut http://www.grasshutcorp.blogspot.com/
Kendra Binney creates kawaii-styled work [1,2], but it is the eyes that get you. Her figures have preternaturally large eyes. They are dreamers and her paintings, their maybe dreams, hued in a subtle blue palate. Excellent. At Moshi Moshi http://www.moshi-moshi.com/
Joseph Valentino shows multiple exposure Polaroid (how did he do that?!) that have been modded up by collage at Redux http://www.reduxpdx.com/
All 811 E Burnside
Artist David Eckard makes strange sculptures which could be imagined the fabrications, in steel, canvas, fur and leather, of farm animal prosthetics by a mad Finnish farmer. Perhaps they the prototypes of primitive agricultural machines. He also performs in his contraptions, combining physical risk with maybe masochism. Example include "Tournament" and "Widow's Walk", floating the River in a candle lit skeletal podium for Gallery Homeland's "Scratching the Surface" art project. His work is disturbing but much more subtle, though less endorphin-fueled, than the hook suspensionists. He shows drawings and sculptures at Mark Woolley Gallery http://markwoolley.com/ 128 NW Russell
The Rocket building is at 11th and Burnside. It is covered in sliding ply shutters, painted by artists curated by Ruthann Brown. The building is also green certified by the LEED program. Sustainability is yet at an early stage. That means what it means is not completely clear yet. So people are experimenting with a myriad of sustainability vectors. Here is a chance to see a fancy building where people thought about that in design and selection of materials. Rocket Building 1101 E Burnside
Artist Auditions creates fun in the usually painful dance between artists seeking representation and galleries seeking cold hard sales. Banishing that junior prom-like angst, the artist audition process is more a game. The first phase of selection involved a quest for golden tickets which contained the location of a secret event and the password. At the event the art-gamers were challenged to create an artist trading card. Following instructions to find the "woman in hot pink fishnets" at the next event, the artists exchanged their trading card for an envelope containing a white square stamped with a star. Their challenge was to create something with the star square using a Sharpie. Each phase also included a challenging Internet competitions for artists worldwide. Those artists who made it through these challenges show tonight. They are Aaliyah Gupta (WA, Aaron Morgan Brown (KS), Brynn Dizack (MA), Chris Miller (NY), Christian Rex van Minnen (CO), Jaime Lakatos (CA), Lisa Nersesova (TX), Matthew Broussard (Italy) and Naomi Falk (MI). This show is quite excellent, validating the Artist Auditions process. See it.
If you want in on the fun in the future, check http://www.artistauditions.org/
http://brianmarki.com/ 2236 NE Broadway
Brian Elliott makes ray guns and robots. Not transformer style, more 1950's sci-fi. What a great job! He shows some at 12x16 8235 SE 13th Ave., Suite 5, 432-3513
AMONG US AND CURIOUS is a national juried photo show. With 2000 images submitted, 32 Photographers and were selected including 3 Oregonians. To me the unfigured landscapes are not very interesting. The portraits and peopled landscapes are a pleasant and unique surprise. At Newspace http://www.newspacephoto.org/gallery/ 1632 SE 10th
Portland's Telegraph Arts presents the One Minute Film Festival tonight. Only slightly longer than a blipvert, these films tell a story in the manner of a television commercial. Short enough to guarantee you won't have time to get bored, but still leaving a residual impression of quality or not. At Holocene http://www.holocene.org $3-10 sliding scale
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
July 5 Westside Art Openings
The Portland Art Center opens several shows including something from John Mace, known for large installations such as one with water raining at filling the Nine Gallery and one with blood-like liquid pumped through a network of tubes at the old Art Center space, now Jace Gace. One of the other shows is Portland Modern #5: Environmentalists. In the connected building up the funky elevator are individual artist studios some open for a look at work in progress.
http://www.portlandart.org 32 NW 5th
Installationist, painter, photographer Paige Saez takes over the downtown Stumptown with bright painting-collages. 128 SW 3rd
Photographer Krista K. Wheeler is known for candid portraits of creative Portland at play and photographing her own family. Her photos of Portland 1990's nightlife are at Ogle http://www.ogleinc.com/ 310 NW Broadway until 8:30
Sculptor and installationist Brenda Mallory is known for unitized sculptures, each element just a little different, one to another. Handmade, her work reminds of nature's infinite variation, organized by pattern, be they plant or microorganism. At Nine Gallery in Blue Sky 1231 NW Hoyt (it's also good news that the Nine Gallery space will continue in Blue Sky's fancy new digs when they move later in the month)
P:ear pairs Portland artists and street kids working on art. Hundreds of local artists have participated. It costs money to run such a program and now P:ear has attracted the attention of a local pop radio station with the ability to reach a broad audience beyond the art making community. This is a good thing. Tonight they partner for a sale of encaustic painting at a local salon. If people buy it, it's good all around. Urbaca Salon http://www.urbacahairsalon.com http://www.pearmentor.org 120 NW 9th
Painter Gabriel Macca shows impressionistic landscapes at Froelick Gallery http://www.froelickgallery.com/ 817 SW 2nd
The Laura Russo gallery mounts a summer group show. Galleries are channels, connecting a group of artists to a group of art buyers through an aesthetic theme. Akin to the old television model. The channel which is Motel Gallery has the same concept, just a different aesthetic. Pick any other gallery, it is the same. It can be instructive however to see what the established galleries are programming, in other words what they are selling, which, in turn, pays the artists' rent.
Laura Russo Gallery http://www.laurarusso.com/ 805 NW 21st until 8
Deborah Oropallo shows "Guise" unusual digital photographs of women composited onto pre-20th century style formal painted portraits of royals and military men. The artist has an impressive resume, this work is more captivating than the paintings on her website. It's also an example of cultural vectors of acting-costuming employed by many current photographers and sampling, which is everywhere. Pulliam Deffenbaugh http://www.pulliamdeffenbaugh.com/ 929 NW Flanders until 8
Compound shows Fracture: illustrators Jason Shawn Alexander and Andrew Hem. This is a little rougher non-kawaii, non transformer illustration show than Compound's usual. At Compound/Just Be Toys 107 NW 5th
The Everett lofts are recommended as always, including Soft at Tilt curated by Kristan Kennedy.
http://www.portlandart.org 32 NW 5th
Installationist, painter, photographer Paige Saez takes over the downtown Stumptown with bright painting-collages. 128 SW 3rd
Photographer Krista K. Wheeler is known for candid portraits of creative Portland at play and photographing her own family. Her photos of Portland 1990's nightlife are at Ogle http://www.ogleinc.com/ 310 NW Broadway until 8:30
Sculptor and installationist Brenda Mallory is known for unitized sculptures, each element just a little different, one to another. Handmade, her work reminds of nature's infinite variation, organized by pattern, be they plant or microorganism. At Nine Gallery in Blue Sky 1231 NW Hoyt (it's also good news that the Nine Gallery space will continue in Blue Sky's fancy new digs when they move later in the month)
P:ear pairs Portland artists and street kids working on art. Hundreds of local artists have participated. It costs money to run such a program and now P:ear has attracted the attention of a local pop radio station with the ability to reach a broad audience beyond the art making community. This is a good thing. Tonight they partner for a sale of encaustic painting at a local salon. If people buy it, it's good all around. Urbaca Salon http://www.urbacahairsalon.com http://www.pearmentor.org 120 NW 9th
Painter Gabriel Macca shows impressionistic landscapes at Froelick Gallery http://www.froelickgallery.com/ 817 SW 2nd
The Laura Russo gallery mounts a summer group show. Galleries are channels, connecting a group of artists to a group of art buyers through an aesthetic theme. Akin to the old television model. The channel which is Motel Gallery has the same concept, just a different aesthetic. Pick any other gallery, it is the same. It can be instructive however to see what the established galleries are programming, in other words what they are selling, which, in turn, pays the artists' rent.
Laura Russo Gallery http://www.laurarusso.com/ 805 NW 21st until 8
Deborah Oropallo shows "Guise" unusual digital photographs of women composited onto pre-20th century style formal painted portraits of royals and military men. The artist has an impressive resume, this work is more captivating than the paintings on her website. It's also an example of cultural vectors of acting-costuming employed by many current photographers and sampling, which is everywhere. Pulliam Deffenbaugh http://www.pulliamdeffenbaugh.com/ 929 NW Flanders until 8
Compound shows Fracture: illustrators Jason Shawn Alexander and Andrew Hem. This is a little rougher non-kawaii, non transformer illustration show than Compound's usual. At Compound/Just Be Toys 107 NW 5th
The Everett lofts are recommended as always, including Soft at Tilt curated by Kristan Kennedy.
July 4-August 12 ROCK'SBOX says "Portland? Fuck Portland"
The ROCK'SBOX is a storefront exhibition space on N Interstate that has come under the control of evil genius artist Patrick Rock. Transforming a burglar alarm company building, redundant due to internet technology and falling North Portland crime rates, Rock exists between the Arco gas station and the gas pump repair service, near a electrical substation and backing a charming chain link alley. In other words, a dream. Rock is a unit of the posse of artists who have relocated from SF to Portland. His Portland splash was the giant inflatable hot dog that, after removing your shoes, you could get inside and bounce around or do whatever, shown at the Fresh Trouble warehouse show, curated by Jeff Jahn, now of Organism.
For this show, subtitled "The Influence of Oregon on Oregonians... (or native born crackers contemplate the contemporary)", Rock has tapped past and present Portlander's: Katherine Bovee/PDX, Brenden Clenaghen/PDX, Tim Colley/PDX, Alex Hubbard/NYC, Jeanine Jablonski/PDX, Malia Jensen/NYC, Joey Macca/PDX, Donald Morgan/LAX, Chelsea Mosher/PDX, P J Risse/NYC, Natascha Snellman/LAX, Storm Tharp/PDX and Molly Vidor/PDX.
This is an adventurous opening show, presaging future viewer rabble rousing at the space, Rock's style. At ROCK'SBOX 6540 N Interstate x Rosa Parks Portland Boulevard Way and you can go by MAX! Opens 7-11PM; otherwise Friday and Saturdays 12-6PM Free
For this show, subtitled "The Influence of Oregon on Oregonians... (or native born crackers contemplate the contemporary)", Rock has tapped past and present Portlander's: Katherine Bovee/PDX, Brenden Clenaghen/PDX, Tim Colley/PDX, Alex Hubbard/NYC, Jeanine Jablonski/PDX, Malia Jensen/NYC, Joey Macca/PDX, Donald Morgan/LAX, Chelsea Mosher/PDX, P J Risse/NYC, Natascha Snellman/LAX, Storm Tharp/PDX and Molly Vidor/PDX.
This is an adventurous opening show, presaging future viewer rabble rousing at the space, Rock's style. At ROCK'SBOX 6540 N Interstate x Rosa Parks Portland Boulevard Way and you can go by MAX! Opens 7-11PM; otherwise Friday and Saturdays 12-6PM Free
Friday, June 15, 2007
June 17 The Music Population Orchestra
The Music Population Orchestra brings newly composed music played on classical instruments to non traditional spaces. It revives the OG energy that chamber music had in its time - it was avant pop then. Tonight the play at the DF. Details Music Population Orchestra Doug Fir Lounge 830 E Burnside 9PM $6
June now-23 Pink Pedalpalooza
We noted Pedalpalooza earlier; now it's up to full cadence. There's all the info at shift2bikes. One special grace note: Pink, the love factory, is now open until the 23rd. Write a note at the love factory where it will be typed (or you can color it) tagged and bottled. Then it will be delivered by bike messenger. It's the project of some artists from Austin. Free. Yes!
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
June 13 VJ Throwdown Seattle
Battles amp the creative pressure as artists improv their best moves. It might be b-boys/girls, Photoshop battles, here it's Opticlash 2, VJ's mixing live motion visuals to DJ sets. The VJ phenom is more developed in the UK and Japan. It will evolve, as DJing, to the point that it seems like everyone is a bedroom VJ. Especially true with the emergence of TrakAx, an entry level free AV mix tool which also operates on mobile platforms. Tonight's battle pits VJ's Pixelflip, Peter Rand, Porchlight Star, Killingfrenzy (the Opticlash 1 champion), James Drage, Epiphanous, VJ Scobot and Xiayu. Accompanying DJ's are J-Justice, Aaron Simpson and Swank. The event is part of Seattle's International Film Festival; Opticlash 2 benefits Reelgrrls. At Capitol Hills Art Center 1621 12th Ave x Pine 6-10PM $15 Advance
Monday, June 04, 2007
June 7 Westside Art Openings
All these are up all month in case there is a rainy Saturday. Note however this Saturday, when it usually rains on the Rose Parade, the parade will fully occupy downtown with strangeness.
The exception is a one night book release event by Ann Ploeger and it is on the East side. Ploeger is known for large photographic portraits of local luminaries in their homes, often barefoot and in nostalgic rich Kodacolor film tones. The book: "Portraits". At No Fish Go Fish 3962 SE Hawthorne 8-11PM Free
The 333 Hancock (333 NE Hancock, above Dunes) studios are also having a one night open studio to view the work of some of the new artists creating there. 6-10PM
I don't know much about the art, paintings by Cheyenne Sawyer, but the place - jà ce gà ce - is an "art construction collective working with glass, wood, metal, paint, music, and futuristic restorations" and eatery featuring art, waffles and beer. (!!) Waffles and chicken are an old Harlem tradition, is this a new Portland one? 2045 SE Belmont 6PM-midnight
Anna Fidler shows new works. A PSU MFA grad, Fidler continues to evolve her fantastic colorful maybe landscape painting-collages. She is known for outdoor installations and performances on the landscape, and indoor installations of similar feel to her paintings. Her magical realism is real though. Pulliam Deffenbaugh Gallery 925 NW Flanders until 8PM only
New York artist Kenny Scharf is responsible for the totem pole trolley cable supports in the NW district around Jameson Square. He is probably one of the most successful lowbrow artists. His pop aesthetics may be in full play for his role in curating this show in support of the Platform Animation Festival. This part of Platform focuses on Basil Wolverton and Robby Cooper.
Wolverton (1909-1978)is an influential illustrator, well known for comic book work. His distorted caricatures influenced later illustrators such as R Crumb. Working outside established comic publishers, Crumb was the taproot of the independent comic explosion, which later grew along with the 'zine movement. Interestingly Platform now picks up independent animation as the next wave replacing paper-based independent publishing.
Robby Cooper shows photographs themed "Alter Ego:Avatars and their Creators". Avatars are folk art that represent characters in the online world of networked games and environments. In the short term, they are more lightweight than real time motion video representations of players; but they can carry the heavy weight of identity dreams. They are likely a generational change in the online world.
The Art Center hosts a reception for the show on June 29 as well.
The Art Center also shows Mapping Meg Ryan by Samantha DiRosa from Pullman in the Light and Sound Gallery.
Portland Art Center 32 NW 5th until 10
Electric Garden is a show of the works of Apak, Peter Hamlin and Betsy Walton. Their styles are complementary and perfect in energy for the spring to summer flux. Compound Gallery upstairs at Just Be Toys 107 NW 5th
PNCA's BFA thesis show is installed in the now clean and neat senior studios. NW 15th Johnson. Dryden Goodwin shows in the Feldman Gallery in the main building NW 13th and Johnson
PSU's MFA students close their thesis work at 2000 SW 5th on the third floor
The Everett Station lofts and the Rake and Ogle galleries anchoring their diagonals are recommended for your exploratory viewing pleasure. The block bounded by NW 5th, Broadway, Everett, Flanders.
Seattle artist Anna Siems was an early regional worker in wax based mediums, often making work on scrap paper, archival by virtue of the wax. Her work has added more figures glimpsing a psychological landscape. Laura Russo Gallery 805 NW 21st Ave
Jessica Bronk shows dark ochre, yellow and umber impressionistic landscapes at Vino Paradiso 417 NW 10
We spend a lifetime understanding ourselves, but rush to generalize that others' internal processes are the same. No. Now imagine a complete break in your own internals. That is what newspaper photographer John Trotter experienced when he was beaten almost to death. With severe brain injuries, he had to relearn everything. Finally resuming photography, Trotter returned to document the hospital, with new internal processes. “Having been attacked because I was a photographer I needed, as much as anything else, to learn to be a photographer again. But I had taken pictures there [at the hospital] for about a year before I understood that I was trying to understand my own completely altered experience of life.” *
Nathan Baker's "People At Work" combines digitally composited multiple exposures, Gursky-like, documenting the not so quotidian details of the work world. The wonder of our adaptability and ability to work together spans to even the most ordinary of occupations. Both photographers also speak Friday June 8 at 7 st the gallery. Free
* For another take of the work of disabled artists, see the ANP Quarterly #6 article on Oakland's Creative Growth center.
At Blue Sky Gallery 1231 NW Hoyt
An interesting contrast to Trotter's show are illustration style paintings by Elizabeth Huey. Huey is responsible for organizing the myspace art show noted in portlandorusnow in February, 2007. Huey's Chronophobia explores the history of mental difference and its still primitive treatment. Her paintings include figures, structures, and fantastic landscapes in a dreamlike melange. Stuart Hawkins also continues her surreal Nepal work, previously noted and recommended. Quality Pictures 916 NW Hoyt
Joe and Annette Thurston show their work developed with the kids at P:ear. P:ear 809 SW Alder
Architecture is art. It's drawings too have a specific impressionistic flavor. In this unusual show, architects drawings, realized, and not, are presented. Brad Cloepfil, the principal of Allied Works Architecture, is known internationally for his designs, particularly of museums. Locally he is responsible for the design of the Wieden and Kennedy advertising agency within the historical shell of an ice warehouse. Most recently his Seattle Art Museum annex within a new office tower has opened. PDX Contemporary 925 NW Flanders until 8
The exception is a one night book release event by Ann Ploeger and it is on the East side. Ploeger is known for large photographic portraits of local luminaries in their homes, often barefoot and in nostalgic rich Kodacolor film tones. The book: "Portraits". At No Fish Go Fish 3962 SE Hawthorne 8-11PM Free
The 333 Hancock (333 NE Hancock, above Dunes) studios are also having a one night open studio to view the work of some of the new artists creating there. 6-10PM
I don't know much about the art, paintings by Cheyenne Sawyer, but the place - jà ce gà ce - is an "art construction collective working with glass, wood, metal, paint, music, and futuristic restorations" and eatery featuring art, waffles and beer. (!!) Waffles and chicken are an old Harlem tradition, is this a new Portland one? 2045 SE Belmont 6PM-midnight
Anna Fidler shows new works. A PSU MFA grad, Fidler continues to evolve her fantastic colorful maybe landscape painting-collages. She is known for outdoor installations and performances on the landscape, and indoor installations of similar feel to her paintings. Her magical realism is real though. Pulliam Deffenbaugh Gallery 925 NW Flanders until 8PM only
New York artist Kenny Scharf is responsible for the totem pole trolley cable supports in the NW district around Jameson Square. He is probably one of the most successful lowbrow artists. His pop aesthetics may be in full play for his role in curating this show in support of the Platform Animation Festival. This part of Platform focuses on Basil Wolverton and Robby Cooper.
Wolverton (1909-1978)is an influential illustrator, well known for comic book work. His distorted caricatures influenced later illustrators such as R Crumb. Working outside established comic publishers, Crumb was the taproot of the independent comic explosion, which later grew along with the 'zine movement. Interestingly Platform now picks up independent animation as the next wave replacing paper-based independent publishing.
Robby Cooper shows photographs themed "Alter Ego:Avatars and their Creators". Avatars are folk art that represent characters in the online world of networked games and environments. In the short term, they are more lightweight than real time motion video representations of players; but they can carry the heavy weight of identity dreams. They are likely a generational change in the online world.
The Art Center hosts a reception for the show on June 29 as well.
The Art Center also shows Mapping Meg Ryan by Samantha DiRosa from Pullman in the Light and Sound Gallery.
Portland Art Center 32 NW 5th until 10
Electric Garden is a show of the works of Apak, Peter Hamlin and Betsy Walton. Their styles are complementary and perfect in energy for the spring to summer flux. Compound Gallery upstairs at Just Be Toys 107 NW 5th
PNCA's BFA thesis show is installed in the now clean and neat senior studios. NW 15th Johnson. Dryden Goodwin shows in the Feldman Gallery in the main building NW 13th and Johnson
PSU's MFA students close their thesis work at 2000 SW 5th on the third floor
The Everett Station lofts and the Rake and Ogle galleries anchoring their diagonals are recommended for your exploratory viewing pleasure. The block bounded by NW 5th, Broadway, Everett, Flanders.
Seattle artist Anna Siems was an early regional worker in wax based mediums, often making work on scrap paper, archival by virtue of the wax. Her work has added more figures glimpsing a psychological landscape. Laura Russo Gallery 805 NW 21st Ave
Jessica Bronk shows dark ochre, yellow and umber impressionistic landscapes at Vino Paradiso 417 NW 10
We spend a lifetime understanding ourselves, but rush to generalize that others' internal processes are the same. No. Now imagine a complete break in your own internals. That is what newspaper photographer John Trotter experienced when he was beaten almost to death. With severe brain injuries, he had to relearn everything. Finally resuming photography, Trotter returned to document the hospital, with new internal processes. “Having been attacked because I was a photographer I needed, as much as anything else, to learn to be a photographer again. But I had taken pictures there [at the hospital] for about a year before I understood that I was trying to understand my own completely altered experience of life.” *
Nathan Baker's "People At Work" combines digitally composited multiple exposures, Gursky-like, documenting the not so quotidian details of the work world. The wonder of our adaptability and ability to work together spans to even the most ordinary of occupations. Both photographers also speak Friday June 8 at 7 st the gallery. Free
* For another take of the work of disabled artists, see the ANP Quarterly #6 article on Oakland's Creative Growth center.
At Blue Sky Gallery 1231 NW Hoyt
An interesting contrast to Trotter's show are illustration style paintings by Elizabeth Huey. Huey is responsible for organizing the myspace art show noted in portlandorusnow in February, 2007. Huey's Chronophobia explores the history of mental difference and its still primitive treatment. Her paintings include figures, structures, and fantastic landscapes in a dreamlike melange. Stuart Hawkins also continues her surreal Nepal work, previously noted and recommended. Quality Pictures 916 NW Hoyt
Joe and Annette Thurston show their work developed with the kids at P:ear. P:ear 809 SW Alder
Architecture is art. It's drawings too have a specific impressionistic flavor. In this unusual show, architects drawings, realized, and not, are presented. Brad Cloepfil, the principal of Allied Works Architecture, is known internationally for his designs, particularly of museums. Locally he is responsible for the design of the Wieden and Kennedy advertising agency within the historical shell of an ice warehouse. Most recently his Seattle Art Museum annex within a new office tower has opened. PDX Contemporary 925 NW Flanders until 8
June 6 Whither Alberta Street?
UofO architecture students are not only in Eugene, there is a branch campus here. That has allowed them to examine and envision the future here of Alberta Street. They present their ideas tonight.
Students from 5 studios studied the social history of the neighborhood and how that resulted in today's built and lived environment. They then developed models, renderings and social visions for the neighborhoods evolution. They present their findings tonight for discussion, the event will be moderated by Brian Libbey, local and national architecture writer and creator of the Portland Architecture Blog
At Office PDX NE 22nd and Alberta 7-9PM Free
Students from 5 studios studied the social history of the neighborhood and how that resulted in today's built and lived environment. They then developed models, renderings and social visions for the neighborhoods evolution. They present their findings tonight for discussion, the event will be moderated by Brian Libbey, local and national architecture writer and creator of the Portland Architecture Blog
At Office PDX NE 22nd and Alberta 7-9PM Free
June 6 Pinhole Photos
Surveillance is everywhere. I have my doubts to its effectiveness, it seems primarily a tool to assuage the viewers paranoia while creating paranoia in the viewed. All of us. Nonetheless, baring a change in history, it seems with us for the foreseeable future. Surveillance is also the theme for a show of photographs by Audim Culver. Culver employs pinhole photography in which a tiny hole is the lens. Just air! These first lenses were known to the ancient Chinese and Greeks, long before the models of diffraction and refraction in optics were conceived. Physics has evolved some too since - recently materials with a negative index of diffraction have been demonstrated, the "left handed materials". At the Albina Press 4637 N. Albina 8-10PM Free
Friday, June 01, 2007
June 4 Dan Graham
Dan Graham makes art. Installation, sculpture, video, architecture. He speaks free, here, tonight. PSU Hall Street Cinema 515 SW Hall x5th 8:15PM Free
June 3 Love.li Crafting
The Crafty Wonderland has now a beautiful sister in the form of a crafty sale, hangout and DIY church of craft. It's 11-4 at Rontoms 6th and E Burnside and they has a sweet spacious deck too. Free
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