SIGNS OF DISSENT
Aaron Johanson
I Never Said That, 2025
Mixed media with acrylic on canvas
25” x 28”
Reflecting on current events, and the rise of a new totalitarian aesthetic, in Signs of Dissent, Blackfish artists respond with a month long affirmation of cultural resilience and artistic freedom.
Building out of the long tradition of artist-as-activist, Signs of Dissent addresses both emergent political threats, and the often longstanding structures that empower them. Confronting the reemergence of 20th century specters of xenophobia and ultra nationalist authoritarianism,
Signs of Dissent reasserts the power of art in shaping the future.
This purposeful and timely exhibition is accompanied by a month of community engagement and cultural programing, where Blackfish Gallery will host a series workshops and performances. Complimenting the work and building the frameworks for action, these collaborations embrace the strength and passion of creative resistance.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
DATE
PRESENTERS
1. Lauren Sheehan (Roots Americana)
2. Hobnail (Irish Music)
Saturday February 7; 7:30pm
News of the Day Workshop
Performance with John Daniel @Teply Gallery
Friday February 13; 6:00pm
1. MOsely WOtta (spoken word, Hip-Hop, documentary)
2. Dan Kaufman (western-style rock)
Saturday February 14; 7:30pm
Pressing Back: Printmaking as Protest
Talk and Workshop with Hannah Theiss
Friday February 20; 6:00pm
Panel Discussion w/ Black Gallery and Don't Shoot Portland
​
Saturday February 21; 1:00pm
Protest Poster Workshop @ Black Gallery
(one block from BFG)
Saturday February 21; 2:00pm
1. Banshee Chorus (musical theater)
2. Reed & Wolf (queer performers)
Saturday February 21; 7:30pm
1. JAM BUSTERS (Blue Grass)
2. Bug Toast. (Progressive Folk)
​​
Saturday February 27; 7:30pm
Lauren Lauren Sheehan brings her down-home music uptown, mixing old blues, early jazz and roots of country for a bluesbilly-good-time sound. Dubbed "Portland String Queen" by The Oregonian for her multi-instrumental prowess, Lauren is also known for her unforgettable voice and sings like "an angel with horns”, (Charlie Rowley, fan). She tours, teaches at Pacific University, and has recorded 5 CDs played on radio world-wide, including BBC, NPR, and BBKing’s Bluesville. Her music has been catalogued in the Library of Congress, and was recently included on “Sweet Bitter Blues” a compilation CD celebrating living Piedmont blues musicians, produced by Phil Wiggins and Frank Matheis. Lauren Sheehan brings her down-home music uptown, mixing old blues, early jazz and roots of country for a bluesbilly-good-time sound. Dubbed "Portland String Queen" by The Oregonian for her multi-instrumental prowess, Lauren is also known for her unforgettable voice and sings like "an angel with horns”, (Charlie Rowley, fan). She tours, teaches at Pacific University, and has recorded 5 CDs played on radio world-wide, including BBC, NPR, and BBKing’s Bluesville. Her music has been catalogued in the Library of Congress, and was recently included on “Sweet Bitter Blues” a compilation CD celebrating living Piedmont blues musicians, produced by Phil Wiggins and Frank Matheis.