February has always been a good month for art exhibitions in the Portland art scene and everyone seems ready to get out and meet each other once again. Here are my picks:


The Histology of the Different Classes of Uterine Tumors, Wangechi Mutu (2005)

Internationally famous artist Wangechi Mutu creates chimerical anthropomorphichuman constructions exploring gender, identity and wry positioning within society... including immigrants. Her exhibition at the 511 gallery titled The Hybrid Human are a in that great tradition of the anthropological grotesque, like international Frankensteins for our time. This is the first in The Jordan D. Schnitzer Exhibition and Visiting Artist Lecture Series.

The Hybrid Human | January 19 - March 12
First Thursday: February 6, 6:00-8:00PM
PNCA (511 Gallery)
511 NW Broadway




Upper part of Vollum Library, Portland Japanese Garden expansion by Kengo Kuma & Associates

Though the Portland Japanese garden is closed for construction the garden is doing off site programming in the Pearl District with Tsunagu: Connecting to the Architecture of Kengo Kuma, a multi-sensory exhibition focused on the philosophy of continuity in Kuma's work. Kuma's work is known for its connective spaces and the exhibition immersively shows how the new expansion increases greater continuity between nature, natural materials, and the Japanese tradition. The show is curated by Balazs Bognar, Chief Manager at Kengo Kuma & Associates.

Tsunagu: Connecting to the Architecture of Kengo Kuma | February 4 - 29, 2016
Center for Architecture
403 NW 11th Ave
Daily 10AM-5PM
Fridays 10AM-7PM





Eugene based collective Ditch Projects is showing some of their latest works at the Portland Pataphysical Society. A takeoff from Edward Abbot's book of the same name so expect satire and space (two of my favorite things).

Flatland | February 4 - 28
First Thursday: February 4, 6 - 9 PM
Portland Pataphysical Society
625 NW Everett St, # 104