Mandala
two adult sparrows, baby sparrow in nest, dried plants
& mixed media in modified wooden box
9 1/2" x 5 5/8" x 17 1/8"



Ampersand is pleased to present Memory / Magic / Wonder , Matt Hall's second solo show at the gallery. This exhibition consists of mixed media assemblages and large-scale ink on paper drawings. This work explores historic perceptions of the natural world and our sense of wonder & magical phenomena.

His inspiration stems from his childhood fascination with the agility of birds in flight, fish breathing under water & dogs navigating with their sense of smell. Hall's assemblages bring to mind curiosity cabinets of natural history museums, yet on a deeper level they allude to reliquaries. His pieces evoke spiritual practices in which direct interaction with animal parts is thought to transfer magical & totemic powers. Hall has also made a series of intricate drawings in an effort to show the multiple layers of his working experience. He shows a slight glimpse into the horror, strangeness, & magic of his process.


Memory / Magic / Wonder | Matt Hall
Preview Reception with artist | July 24th | 6-10 PM
& open late Last Thursday
July 24 - August 25, 2013
Ampersand Gallery & Fine Books | 2916 NE Alberta St., B, Portland, OR 97211







Still from Mermaid Blues


This month Living Room Realty presents work by Hannah Piper Burns . "These pieces are about existing between worlds. These pieces are about the inexorable draw of uncertainty. These pieces are about the lifecycle of an identity. These pieces are about the unnameable unfathomable inside. Esther Williams (1921 - 2013) was an actress, swimmer, and progenitor of the aquamusical." The films featured in Mermaid Blues were all made while Williams was under contract with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer:


Mermaid Blues | Hannah Piper Burns
Opening Reception Last Thursday | July 25th | 6-9 PM
July 25 - September 25, 2013
Living Room Realty NE Office | 1422 NE Alberta St, Portland OR











Entity : Advance Viewing | Sean Raspet
July 26th | 8 PM - late
Appendix Project Space | South alleyway off of NE Alberta St. between 26th and 27th Aves in Portland, OR