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Debra Disman

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Verum Ultimum Gallery

in a WHISPER…

July 18, 2024 By Debra Disman

Whispers resound and reverberate in the new Verum Ultimum Gallery space in Portland.

Says Owner and Curator Jennifer Gillia Cutshall:
 “…when the murmur from art echoes beyond the walls & settles somewhere secret.  And “Whisper” with an exclamation may signal contradictions or dualities.  The term carries symbolism pertinent to the momentous occasion, but it also carries mystery to be filled in by artists’ interpretations.  Verum is open to all perceptions of this theme.  Delicate expressions are presented, as are bold, and the term WHISPER may be framed in many ways, not necessarily meant to be a literal elucidation. All mediums and modes of expression were welcomed..  Verum Ultimum Gallery tasks artists to define this inaugural exhibition to herald in Verum’s new space in Southeast Portland this summer of 2024!”

She shares  further “There are whispers everywhere, they arrive in our dreams, at a bus stop, museums, and beyond. Original works of art carry whispers. The whispers from the artists mingle with the viewers subconscious, and a connection is made!…The idea of the “whisper” may be inextricably attached to the importance of the unknown or the hidden. A degree of reverence may be ingrained in our collective psyche around all things art. For me, perhaps it began when I first entered museum spaces as a young girl (in NYC), I remember adults turning to children with their pointer fingers glued to pursed lips. They were signaling that hushed tones (and respect) were the order. And anticipation is in order, like the closed curtains and the dimming of lights in the theater, the collective whisper commands our attention toward these 38 provocative works. They whisper far beyond the bounds of literal elucidations.”
There are 38 artists and 38 unique, original works of art in this inaugural exhibition in the new space!

I am thrilled to show “Excavation of the Interior“ (shown closed and open below)
12 x 28 x 12.5″, wood, paper, cloth, hemp cord, linen thread

                   

SEE THE SHOW

SHOP THE SHOW

PURCHASE THE CATALOGUE

Filed Under: ARTISTS, Artists' Books, Exhibitions, TEXTILE/FIBER, Work Tagged With: Artist Book, Book Form, Contemporary Artist, Group Exhibition, Group Show, Jennifer Gillia Cutshall, Juried Exhibition, New Space, Oregon, Oregon Art Gallery, Portland, Portland Art Gallery, Portland Art Scene, Portland Galleries, Portland Gallery Scene, Sculpture, Southeast Portland, Summer Show, Verum, Verum Ultimum, Verum Ultimum Gallery, Whisper, WHISPER EXHIBITION, WHISPERING

Showing (love) Around

July 9, 2024 By Debra Disman


We Are Doing It All Wrong, Edward A. Dixon Gallery, Dayton, OH, Juror/Curator: Ed Dixon:   “The exhibition is a challenge to artists and viewers to recognize, react and learn about the many ways humanity continually fails itself.  These issues are not always mainstream and sometimes are hidden.” Jurors: Ed Dixon/Stacy Kranitz/Judith L. Huacuja
See the SHOW!
See the VIDEO!

It is not only a joy to “show around” in group exhibitions at various venues around the country, it is a gratifying, enriching  experience,  and a heartwarming one at that, to discover, interact with and support so many inspiring and dedicated individuals,  organizations, endeavors, missions and visions. I meet new folks, but also “run into” friends and colleagues that “show up” in some of the same places: showing at some of the the same shows, sharing in some of the same artist talks and panels, featured in some of the same catalogues and publications. It is exciting to connect, and see both not only an overlap of interests materially and thematically, but also how we all approach things differently, and can learn from one another.

For example, I am currently showing at:
Word and Weft: Visualizing the Word, Webster Arts, Webster Groves, MO, Juror: Noriko Yuasa 

Women. Defining Our Representation, Black House Artist, Juror/Curator: Ellen Mattesi (online)  
We Are Doing It All Wrong, Edward A. Dixon Gallery, Dayton, OH, Jurors: Ed Dixon/Stacy Kranitz/Judith L. Huacuja 
Evidence of Joy, Intersect Arts Center, Saint Louis, MO, Curator: April Parvitz  

Soliloquy, presented by The Bridge Arts Foundation at The Scholarts Selection, San Gabriel, CA
Jurors: Charles Christopher Hill, Xin Song, Curator: Tia Xu  
Whisper, Verum Ultimum Gallery, Portland, OR, Curator: Jennifer Gullia Cutshall  (catalogue)
Interplay, presented by the Surface Design Association at The Dairy Barn Arts Center O’Bleness Gallery, Athens, OH,  Juror: Annet Couwenberg
Northern National Art Competition, Nicolet College Art Gallery, Rhinelander, WI, Juror: Debra Brehmer 

The Circular Ritual of Spring, BG Gallery, Santa Monica, CA, Curator: Susan Lizotte (online)

And earlier this year:
Midway Marvels,ArtBarLA, Los Angeles, CA, Curator: Randi Matushevitz
Materiality Matters, Umpqua Valley Arts, Roseville, OR, Juror Panel: UVA Staff and Pacific NW professionals
Pulp: Book and Paper Arts, Sebastopol Center for the Arts, Sebastopol, CA, Juror: Donna Seager
Fantastic Fibers 2024, Yeiser Art Center, Paducah, KY, Juror: Sandro Tiberi, (catalogue) 
String Theory, The Cultural Center of Cape Cod, South Yarmouth, MA, Curator: Molly Demeulenaere  
Art of the Word, Sasse Museum of Art, Pomona, CA, Jurors: Fatemeh Burnes, Maurice Quillinan, Niamh Cunningham (catalogue)
By the Book,  Artopia Gallery, Arcadia, CA, Curator: Rosie Getz

Through this experience I am able to be exposed to and interact with :
Individuals: artists, curators, critics, collectors, gallery, museum, art center, library and academic/university directors/staff (on all different levels of responsibility and experience and in varying roles,  offices and positions)
Organizations: galleries, museums, art centers, universities/academic institutions, artist studios and alternative spaces (of different sizes, renown, reputation, influence and “status” in the “art world” and world at-large)

I plan to highlight and share about various of these individuals and entities over the next several posts. I will share particularly about Art Centers, which are an enormous source of vitality, creation, care and joy throughout the country and beyond. xxxooo

I begin with Gallerist Ed Dixon, in whose show We Are Doing It All Wrong I am honored to be in.  Presented at the Edward A. Dixon Galleryin Dayton, OH. Of the show says Owner/Curator: Ed Dixon:  “The exhibition is a challenge to artists and viewers to recognize, react and learn about the many ways humanity continually fails itself.  These issues are not always mainstream and sometimes are hidden.” The illustrious jurors Ed Dixon/Stacy Kranitz/Judith L. Huacuja hold a wealth of knowledge, expertise, care and passion among them in addition to many accomplishments.

In a time of such fraught difference, fear, and loathing, it is heartening and illuminating to see and be a part of all of these individuals and entities, making a difference. I have to feel that that all of our work, no matter what the outcome, does make a difference.

Thank you to You all.

 

 

 

Filed Under: ARTISTS, Exhibitions, MEDIA, New Work, Presentations, TEXTILE/FIBER, Women Artists, Work Tagged With: 18th Street Arts Center, American exhibitions, American shows, Annet Couwenberg, April Parvitz, art centers, Art of the Word, art vwnuwa, ArtBarLA, Artopia Gallery, bG Gallery, Black House Artist, Bridge Arts Foundation, Cape Cod Museum of Art, Charles Christopher Hill, Christopher Lloyd Tucker, Contemporary Art, Contemporary Artists, Craft Contemporary, curators, Debra Brehmer, Donna Seager, Ed Dixon, Edward A. Dixon Gallery, Ellen Mattesi, Exhbitions, exhibiting in the US, Fatemeh Burnes, galleries, Group Shows, Intersect Arts, January Arts, Jennifer Gillia Cutshall, Judith L. Huacuja, Juried Shows, jurists, Karina Bennett, libraries, Maurice Quillinan, Molly Demeulenaere, museums, Niamh Cunningham, Nicolet College Art Gallery, Noriko Yuasa, Randi Matushevitz, Rosie Getz, Sandro Tiberi, Sasse Museum of Art, Scholorarts Selection, SDA, Sebastopol Center for the Arts, Shoebox Arts, Shoebox Projects, Shows, Stacy Kranitz, Surface Design Association, Susan Lizotte., The Brand Library and Art Center, The Cultural Center of Cape Cod, The Dairy Barn Arts Center O’Bleness Gallery, The Irvine Fine Arts Center, The Long Beach Museum of Art, The New Bedford Museum of Art, The Yeiser Art Center, Tia Xu, UCLA, Umpqua Valley Arts, universities, Verum Ultimum Gallery, Webster Arts, Xin Song

EXHIBITIONISTA: WHISPER at Verum Ultimum Gallery

June 8, 2024 By Debra Disman

I am thrilled to participate in WHISPER! at Verum Ultimum Gallery in Portland.

I will be showing:

"Excavation of the Interior" (shown closed and open below) 12 x 28 x 12.5", wood, paper, cloth, hemp cord, linen thread
   

Says Owner and Curator Jennifer Gillia Cutshall:
 "...when the murmur from art echoes beyond the walls & settles somewhere secret.  And "Whisper" with an exclamation may signal contradictions or dualities.  The term carries symbolism pertinent to the momentous occasion, but it also carries mystery to be filled in by artists' interpretations.  Verum is open to all perceptions of this theme.  Delicate expressions are presented, as are bold, and the term WHISPER may be framed in many ways, not necessarily meant to be a literal elucidation. All mediums and modes of expression were welcomed..  Verum Ultimum Gallery tasks artists to define this inaugural exhibition to herald in Verum's new space in Southeast Portland this summer of 2024!"

Tagged With: Artist Book, Book Form, Contemporary Artist, EXHBITION, Group Show, Jennifer Gillia Cutshall, Juried Exhibition, New Space, Oregon, Oregon Art Gallery, Pacific Northwest Art Scene, Portland, Portland Art Gallery, Portland Art Scene, Portland Gallery Secen, Sculpture, Southeast Portland, Summer Show, Verum, Verum Ultimum, Verum Ultimum Gallery, Verum Ultimum new space, Whisper, WHISPERING

Exhibitionista: LIMINAL at Verum Ultimum Art Gallery

June 15, 2021 By Debra Disman

Verum Ultimum Gallery tasks artists to define “Liminal” for this first edition of this exhibition.

I am thrilled to be part of this first edition of the theme: LIMINAL, at Verum Ultimum Gallery through which artists are invited to explore the theme, LIMINAL in any interpretation. Pictured: my work  The Gates, (interior), 2019, 7.5 x 20 x 10.25”, mixed media/sculptural artists’ book.

Liminal is the space between. What significance does transition (or the “space between“) have in your work or your artistic voice? Does your work reflect the liminal aspects of our pandemic-impacted world and the adaptation to a post pandemic existence? Does your work represent and or challenge the threshold to a more equitable society? Or, perhaps it reflects a vehicle for expression through pure abstraction.

As with all Verum Ultimum’s calls for art, the curator never seeks to drive the work, the only hope is to unveil unique visions. All mediums and modes of expression have been welcomed from low brow, pop surrealism, realism, abstraction, and more. The term Liminal may be interpreted in many ways, and is not necessarily meant to be a literal elucidation.

Liminal is defined as
1. relating to a transitional or initial stage of a process.
2. occupying a position at, or on both sides of, a boundary or threshold.

​One could argue that artists are conditioned to occupy the liminal state. And a successful studio is a space in flux, poised for adaptation (to projects, challenges, and materials). The focus of the artist is the creative process or the place between the 2 boundaries of “the beginning” and “the outcome or result.”

A gallery benefits from maintaining that liminal state, too (adaptation is a constant).

Verum Ultimum is celebrating it’s eighth year and this exhibition serves to herald the artists unique vision…especially during these challenging times!

View the Show!!!

Tagged With: Contemporary Art, Contemporary Fine Art Gallery, Jennifer Gillia Cutshall, Liminal, Liminality, Northeast Portland, Portland Gallery, Portland Oregon Art Gallery, Verum Ultimum Gallery

Chasing Ghosts V: Piercing the Veil through Remembrance, Legacy & Beyond…

November 17, 2020 By Debra Disman

Chasing Ghosts V: Piercing the Veil through Remembrance, Legacy & Beyond…

At Verum Ultimum Gallery in Portland.

Juried and curated by Jennifer Gullia Cutshall

“This show emphasizes the idea of revealing the unseen or the soul in a work of art. The term ghost may be interpreted in many ways, not necessarily meant to be a literal elucidation. This year’s interpretation might be loaded with the added turmoil of current social, health, environmental, and political climate.  The exhibition asks artists: “Does your process manifest an identity within your work that somehow speaks to the past? Do you express your deepest fears or concerns through your work? Do current political, health, and environmental concerns follow you into the studio and shadow or define your work? What ghosts or parts of the past leave their mark on your work? Is a legacy revealed through your work or your process? Is memory a vital vehicle of expression for you? Do you inadvertently honor something from your past or concern for the future through your work? ” — Jennifer Gillia Cutshall

Verum Ultimum never seeks to drive the work, the only hope to unveil unique visions.

Verum Ultimum Gallery has engaged audiences of artists and collectors since its founding in Northeast Portland in 2013.

The brainchild of artist Jennifer Gillia Cutshall, Verum Ultimum (meaning the ultimate truth) showcases work that demonstrates the deepest connection to the creative process.

See the Show!

Shop the Show!

I am showing “Throes of the Body“

Filed Under: ARTISTS, Artists' Books, Exhibitions, Work Tagged With: ARTIST'S BOOKS, Chasing Ghosts V, Chasing Ghosts V: Piercing the Veil through Remembrance, Contemporary Art, Contemporary Fine Art Gallery, Jennifer Gillia Cutshall, Legacy & Beyond..., Northeast Portland, Portland Gallery, Portland Oregon Art Gallery, Sculptural Books, Verum Ultimum Gallery

Chasing Ghosts V: Art that Pierces the Veil through remembrance, legacy, & beyond

October 12, 2020 By Debra Disman

I am honored to be participating in: 

Chasing Ghosts V: Art that Pierces the Veil through remembrance, legacy, & beyond

This show emphasizes the idea of revealing the unseen or the soul in a work of art. The term ghost may be interpreted in many ways, not necessarily meant to be a literal elucidation. This year’s interpretation might be loaded with the added turmoil of current social, health, environmental, and political climate.  The exhibition asks artists: “Does your process manifest an identity within your work that somehow speaks to the past? Do you express your deepest fears or concerns through your work? Do current political, health, and environmental concerns follow you into the studio and shadow or define your work? What ghosts or parts of the past leave their mark on your work? Is a legacy revealed through your work or your process? Is memory a vital vehicle of expression for you? Do you inadvertently honor something from your past or concern for the future through your work? ” 

Verum Ultimum never seeks to drive the work, the only hope to unveil unique visions.

Verum Ultimum Gallery has engaged audiences of artists and collectors since its founding in Northeast Portland in 2013.

The brainchild of artist Jennifer Gillia Cutshall, Verum Ultimum (meaning the ultimate truth) showcases work that demonstrates the deepest connection to the creative process.

Tagged With: Chasing Ghosts V, Contemporary Art, Contemporary Fine Art Gallery, Jennifer Gillia Cutshall, Northeast Portland, Portland Gallery, Portland Oregon Art Gallery, Verum Ultimum Gallery

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