Cauleen Smith at PNCA's 511 gallery

Recently the list of Whitney Biennial artists came out and Cauleen Smith, whose show Asterisms... currently on display at PNCA is one of them. Now, Im not exactly wild about the WB list and have my misgivings about this show which according to the artist, "collects, arranges, projects, and draws connections between bodies unrelated, which together, create space and place. Objects from the collection of the Museum of Contemporary Craft intermingle with objects from the artist’s own personal collection to create the mise-en-scene for cinemascapes that require an a curious and slow-looking eye." (seems strained and MoCC collection feels strained. Still, I like the fact this is a new media show. Besides, it is a sneak peek at everyone's favorite group show train wreck in the Spring and frankly I like going to shows that I am deeply skeptical of. Art simply isn't about seeing your ideas and values reflected back upon you, though that's part of my criticism of this work so have a look and see what you think?

Asterisms | November 3 - January 6, 2017
First Thursday: December 1, 6:00-8:00PM
PNCA (511 Gallery)
511 NW Broadway




Christopher Michlig at White Box

I like the computer printed fabrication of Christopher Michlig's exhibition An Inventory of Effects at the White Box Gallery at the University of Oregon (Portland campus). There is something deeply funny and life affirming about these works which straddle design and art so well. They remind me a bit of Mel Katz's work too.

An Inventory of Effects | November 3 - December 10
First Thursday: 5-7PM
White Box
University of Oregon (Portland Campus)
24 NW First Avenue, Portland, Oregon



Garrick Imatatini at Hap

The art business is very tough and the adventurous Hap Gallery is having its last show and its an interesting one. As a closer Gerrick Imatani's A Broken tower is a good one. An intentional caprice of physical and perceptual spatial conceits its nice to see some honest to goodness installation art in the Pearl District. As for what it means to Portland's relatively traditionalist gallery ecosystem, which leads to traditionalism at non profits... well I think Portland requires some new models. Certainly art fairs are important but a space is necessary to cultivate patronage. Hap's space (designed by architect Rick Potestio, who also designed Bluesky and Upfor's spaces) is pretty much the perfect size for a starting gallery today and it is situated right in the main gallery blocks.

A Broken Tower | November 17 - December 30
First Thursday Opening: August 4 6-8PM
Hap Gallery
916 NE Flanders