EXPLORE THIS MONTH | JUNE

1) Quest for Beauty: The Architecture, Landscapes, and Collections of John Yeon | Portland Art Museum
Although architect, John Yeon, is known for his great contributions to Pacific Northwest Modernism, the Portland Art Museum's exhibition highlights not only his iconic architectural works, but his unique ideals as an individual and an artist. Through photographs, models, and documentation, Yeon's work is discussed alongside his major conservation efforts. His ideals behind landscape and nature were pinnacle to his practice, as he designed his work to not highlight the building through the environment, but rather how the building could highlight the surrounding nature. Yeon viewed his own work as that of composing beauty, which was the location and landscape of his pieces. His innovative designs defined the regional style that is now a common practice of the area, and this exhibit showcases the evolutionary foundation of its creator.

Aubrey Watzek House, Portland, Oregon. 1937. Courtesy of Portland Art Museum.

Jeffrey Gibson, Mississippi Band Choctaw/Cherokee, 2014. Courtesy of Denver Art Museum.

2) Jeffrey Gibson: Like A Hammer | Denver Art Museum
The first major museum introduction of Jeffrey Gibson's work, comes at a pivotal moment in which Gibson's Native American heritage is integrating with his contemporary practice. Sixty-five works create a comprehensive look at Gibson's visual symbolism describing his multi-faceted identity in reference to an overall period of modernism. This mixture of cultures creates a variety of mediums from abstract acrylics to beaded punching bags. Gibson utilizes his Choctaw and Cherokee heritage, alternative subcultures, his experiences traveling abroad, and elements of colonization all to reflect and produce his passionate content full creations.

3) Minimal Art from the Marzona Collection | Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac: London Ely House
German Edigio Marzona was a prolific collector through the late 20th Century, building his singular array of Minimal, Conceptual, and Land Art. In this selection of his vast collection, some of the major players within Minimalism are represented including Richard Serra, Donald Judd, Sol LeWitt, Carl Andre, and Dan Flavin. Each artist sought to eliminate narrative and interpretative features of art, the complete contrast of the then popular Abstract Expressionism. Utilizing industrial materials, form, color, and space, these artists steered the viewer into a direct relationship with the artwork. A rare selection of works by an outstanding cast of characters gives a comprehensive view of the movement they promoted.

Dan Flavin, Untitled, 1964-74. Courtesy of Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac.

John Graham, Mascara, 1950. Courtesy of Parrish Art Museum.

4) John Graham: Maverick Modernist | Parrish Art Museum
Known as a one of the main proponents of American modernism in the early 20th Century, John D. Graham painted, wrote, and advised his contemporaries. This exhibition highlights his continuously evolved style alongside his history and scholarship related to the movement itself, showcasing his large part in its success. Graham was seen in some way throughout every influence from that period, whether it be his written or visual works. In his early years, he was greatly influenced by Cubism, known for his close following to Picasso. His deviation from these elements later on in his career take a turn to more historical portraiture, especially that of women, and is more readily represented as his peak work. Similar to other contemporaries, Graham offers an important example of an artist regenerating their style throughout their career, and how it is congruent, not a deviation.

5) En Visión: Picturing the Self | Museum of Latin American Art
A collaborative exhibition between the Museum of Latin American Art and Las Fotos Project, a community-based organization that inspires young women through photography by instruction, workshops, and access to cameras.. This interactive exhibition features selected works from MOLAA's permanent collection in conjunction with photographs from the young participants to showcase women's realities and experiences. The collaboration aims to start a conversation about women's evolving identities, self-expression, and the dialogue between an observer and a subject.