November is an odd month in the Portland art scene where shows are either truncated to a few weeks or extended through December and often into January. It also means the shows sometimes take a few more chances or explore broad themes that resonate with the holidays. Here are my picks for First Thursday:



Originally from Italy, Eva and Franco Mattes present Breaking Banality: The Dysfunction of Remediation at PNCA's Feldman Gallery (the clock is ticking on this important space once the 511 building opens). The exhibition's title was created by an online random exhibition title generator and will restage, "ten reiterations of one performance from their series 'BEFNOED - By Everyone, For No One, Every Day,' for which they commission anonymous workers to realize webcam performances." Related to Fluxus events and the general way in which instructions manage computers of all sorts it should spark further discussion of the quirk-core performances that are popular on youtube and amongst recent art school grads these days.

Breaking Banality: The Dysfunction of Remediation | November 6 2014 - January 10 2015
Artists talk: November 5, 6:30 - 8PM
Feldman Gallery
PNCA
1241 NW Johnson



Jesse Mejia

Light Wash by Jesse Mejia presents itself as, "an immersive, interactive audio-visual installation," and its great to see the Everett Station Lofts coming alive again with some ambition and taste. Featuring 5 channels and several related performances on November 28th... there is a theme developing this month.

Light Wash | November 6 - 28
Opening Reception: November, 6 7-10PM (performance 8:30)
Performances: November, 28 7-10PM
Composition
#102, NW 6th and Everett



Justine Kurland, Death Seat

Last but not least at Elizabeth Leach their November offering, Through the Lens, explores portraiture and self portraiture through a cast of nationally revered phgotographers. Featuring Justine Kurland, Alec Soth, David Hilliard Carrie Mae Weems and Robert Mapplethorpe to name a few this looks like a very strong survey of one of photography's most enduring themes.

Through the Lens | November 6 2014 - January 3rd 2015
Elizabeth Leach Gallery
417 NW 9th