A couple of quick reviews for shows that end this weekend:



Absolutely do not miss Stephen Slappe's Chain Reaction at Tilt. This multi projector video installation of a menacing 60's style scientist and a couple of hapless humans being observed by him draws the viewer into the theatrical experiment. The music is classic B-movie sci-fi and despite the Sid and Marty Krofft style camp its menacing air is palpable. Tilt has been really doing a great job this year and is the most consistently well programmed art venue for emerging artists in the city. Yes, Jenene works for PORT but we like to hire competent people, and Tilt does it right. (makes you wonder why it's so hard for other venues? they should be taking notes.)

Open Friday and Saturday 12-5, 625 NW Everett St. Suite 106


Clevenger at Pulliam Deffenbaugh Gallery

G Lewis Clevenger at Pulliam Deffenbaugh. His best show to date, maybe it is how the hot colors and pastels seem to be fighting a tug of war between control and leisure? Overall the work is consistent and reminds me of the late work of Hans Hofmann, with lots of push and pull between hot and cold. What is different is his elegant use of pastels and lattice work which remind me of Jonathan Lasker. Instead of modernist nostalgia this feels like a fresh and poetic thing again.



Molly Vidor's "My Space" at the PDX Window Gallery. This window continues to impress and this is Vidor's best work to date. It's impossible to photograph though, with its flat black and white splatter of stars behind glass. So simple, it just works. Every time I look at this I hear that line from Kubrick's 2001 a space odyssey, "My God, it's full of stars." It is that good.

Other suggested shows which end this weekend:

POW at Quality Pictures

Marne Lucas's Sitting City at Mark Woolley, closing party tonight 7-11PM

Elizabeth Leach Gallery's 25th anniversary show: A Century of Collage.

Last but not least Pierre Huyghe's show at the Portland Art Museum Ends Sunday Dec 31st. One of the very best shows of the year.

Thanks for the mention Jeff. Chain Reaction will be on view though Dec. 30. Happy New Year!