Two new exhibitions will open at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art at Portland State University March 5.
The exhibitions feature local artists Arvie Smith and Daniel Duford. Curated by Interim Director Linda Tesner, these exhibitions are woven together by themes of racism, oppression, and social justice. The exhibitions will be on view until May 16.
This is the second round of exhibitions opening at JSMA @ PSU since the museum opened its doors to campus and the local community on Nov. 7. The gallery is located inside the recently-renovated Fariborz Maseeh Hall and spans more than 7,500 square feet and two floors.
Smith’s exhibition, titled 2 Up and 2 Back II, is the second of a two-part project presenting a retrospective focused on the oeuvre of this elder statesman of Oregon’s art community. This project will present Smith’s earlier work, from 1988 to 2015.
“I intend to expose narratives designed to interfere with truth, advancement, and a release from the chains that have given rise to an unjust dominance hierarchy and reveal the power, resilience, and beauty of those who are forced to carry the resulting burden,” Smith says.
Smith takes messages from public discourse, advertising, news media, pop culture, film, and daily micro-assaults on marginalized groups to deliver powerful images. Smith’s work is about race and identity, inequity, justice, perseverance and, ultimately, the resilience of the human spirit.
“We live in an interesting time, and American politics on race and identity are explosive to the point where America appears to be on the precipice of a cliff. Overt demonstration of bias, racism, and hate at all levels of the American citizenry are chilling,” he says. “We must ask ourselves what it will take to find the socially equitable solutions that will solve further social division. I believe the burden and responsibility fall on us because we are here.”
The two exhibits will formally open March 5 with a reception from 5 to 8 p.m.
More information about the exhibitions can be found at: https://www.pdx.edu/museum-of-art-exhibits-and-events