First Thursday Opening Reception: December 7, 5-8pm
Artists Talk with Paul Missal and Eddie Reed: Friday, December 15, 6pm
DEC. 6 - 30 • MAIN GALLERY
Reflections
— Paul Missal and Eddie Reed —
Paul Missal — Nurturing, acrylic, 72" x 72"
Narrative and process are united in the work of Paul Missal; they are "one breath" as the artist puts it. This intimate connection between content and process elevates Missal’s still-lifes, portraits and landscapes, for which he is widely renowned. In Reflections, Missal brings together new pieces and a selection of works from his storied 50-year career, which was recently celebrated by the Portland Art Museum in a one-man exhibition, Nature Vive.
Missal’s wide-ranging work explores themes of decay and renewal, the cool tension of balanced dualities and nature as guardian, as Grace Kook-Anderson, Arlene & Harold Schnitzer Curator of Northwest Art at Portland Art Museum wrote, all through a playful, symbolic lens that inspires delight and wonder.
In addition to acclaim for his commanding art, Missal is recognized as an influential and lifelong educator in the Portland community. He taught at the Pacific Northwest College of Art for over 30 years and, in 1979, co-founded Blackfish Gallery, where he has been active as artist, mentor and member/owner ever since.
Paul Missal — Self Portrait
Eddie Reed — You Too, acrylic/mixed medium on wood board, 42" x 36" x 2"
For painter Eddie Reed, art is an ongoing conversation about the meaning of life. Through the use of social realist storytelling, color rich action painting, and contemporary symbolism, his art strives to spark conversations that question social constructs and contradictory moods concerning the environment, struggles of the disenfranchised, race, and power.
In his current suite of paintings, Reed fearlessly engages with some of our country’s deepest failures and toughest challenges: America’s loss of compassion; the struggle for justice and equality, the endurance of the Black American family and the blatant disregard for water quality are examples.
Topical, timeless, provocative and moving, Reed’s work is visually compelling as well, layering photographic imagery, raw painterly flourishes, text and symbols.
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GALLERY 2
Holiday Group Show
— Blackfish Artists —
Our first-ever Holiday Group Show is designed to offer up inspiration for holiday art gifting.
Whether shopping for family, friends or a special person — maybe even yourself — you’ll discover art works in a variety of styles and at approachable prices from a passel of your favorite Blackfish artists. And, there’s no waiting till the end of the month to take your art work home for wrapping.
All works may leave the gallery on the day of purchase, unless the buyer prefers to pick up at a later date.
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JAMES HIBBARD GALLERY
Small Works
Benefiting The Oregon Food Bank
A Blackfish, December tradition, the Small Works show features original art works for sale at $250 or less. These works are priced to sell because Blackfish is eager to get funds into the hands of our chosen charity, The Oregon Food Bank, which works to eliminate hunger and its root causes.
Paul Missal
Eddie Reed
Holiday Group Show
Blackfishers Doing Cool Stuff
See what Blackfish Artists are involved with outside the gallery this month.