Neighbors

The “skateboard” key word channel on my DVR picked up a show on Current TV. I was a bit confused because to get to it I had to FF through 10 minutes of a segment titled “Why we shave down there,” with a bunch of women talking about, well, you know. There was indeed some skateboarding, a fun little street sequence featuring skateboarder and artist Mark Warren Jacques. Turns out he lives in Portland is a partner in a gallery that is about 10 blocks away from where I live, yet I’ve never been in there. I guess I’ll have to remedy that. Catch the clip by Joe Lumbroso and info about some upcoming exhibits after the jump.

From Jacques:

Thanks for making the connection. Actually, if you stop by the gallery in the next two days you will see some of my work on the walls. I’m in a three person show with Bwana Spoons, and David Wien, also skate dudes.

I have a show coming up at Grass Hut Gallery that opens on the 6th of November. This is a solo show and should be pretty rad. I’m doing some installation shit that will be pretty wild I think.

Peace.

Mark Warren Jacques
Its Out There – In Here
November 6th – 30th, 2009
Opening reception Friday, November 6th, 6-10pm

Grass Hut Gallery presents Its Out There – In Here, an exhibition featuring new paintings and interactive installations by Portland-based artist Mark Warren Jacques.

“Mark Warren Jacques lives within a web of art makers, musicians, skateboarders, and backyard revolutionaries. This close-knit community thrives on representing a sort of whimsy that harnesses the energy of idealism and is rooted in earthy spirituality. Lest you conclude that he lives in a world of naïvete, Jacques will surprise you with his gusto to love, question, and commit himself to the realities of hard work, ambition, and responsibility to his community.” –Leslie Miller , Fontanelle Gallery

For his exhibition Its Out There – In Here, Jacques promises to truly take the viewer Out There with paintings that protrude from the gallery walls and floor, and an interactive installation that includes a “singing painting” and an “In Here zone” where visitors will be invited literally behind the paintings to investigate the artist’s inspired affection toward the introspective life, outer-space, inner peace, and wonder.

In addition to installation, a dozen new highly detailed and meticulously rendered paintings in acrylic and ink will fill the gallery space. Imagery includes symbols of nature, the human body, interpretations of vipassana meditation practices, love, and the spiritual universe that connects us all.

Along with the installation and paintings a printed exhibition suplement including Poem-Titles and Personal Interpretations will also be available to further the viewer’s understanding of the artist’s intention for each work.

Mark Warren Jacques studied art at the Columbus College of Art and Design in Columbus, OH. He is a member of the Together Gallery collective in Portland’s Alberta Arts District and has upcoming exhibitions in San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, and Boston.
Its Out There – In Here will be on view at Grass Hut Gallery, 811 East Burnside, November 6th – 30th 2009. Gallery hours are Wednesday through Sunday, 12-7 pm and by appointment.