October is one of the power months in the Portland art scene... and we know it better than anyone else. Here are my picks



Habit Forming

When Storm Tharp broke out in 2007, he established himself as one of the premier contemporary portraitists in the country but since then has been adding facets and layers to that reputation. For his latest show Tiger he doubles down on influences like David Hockney, Fairfield Porter's paintings, Donald Judd and numerous literary figures.

Tiger | September 30 - November 1
PDX Contemporary
925 NW Flanders




Spiders Eating Popcorn

Across the hall from PDX, check out Ralph Pugay. Pugay has had a great run over the past few years including awards from the Joan Mitchell Foundation and the Betty Bowen Award most recently. His Debut at Upfor titled "Critter" gives us a first real look at this humorist's development in a solo show. I dont find it purely comedic though as there is a zen monk's level of absurd circumscription evident in the best works. Certainly Pugay is the artist who best embodies the quirk hype that the Portlandia show has made Portland famous for, but luckily he's got more going on and rarely devolves into simple caricature or mockery. He's simply better than that.

Critter | September 30 - November 1, 2014
Reception: October 2 6-9PM
Upfor Contemporary
929 NW Flanders




First Thursday isn't just the main commercial galleries there alre also numerous alternative spaces and Unbecoming at Composition in the Everett Station lofts has a promising group show of, "five female-identifying artists exploring the power of dissent through their work and bodies." Curated by Anastasia Tuazon with work by Patricia Alvarado Char Esme, Hayley Eli Gutzler, Rubina Martin and Kelly McGovern.

Unbecoming | October 2 - 31
Opening Reception: First Thursday, October 2nd, 6 - 9PM
Performance by Kelly McGovern at 7:30 PM
Composition
625 NW Everett #102