Portland High School Digital Exhibition: Vivi[d]evolution

What is abstraction? How do we visually represent an idea or theme in abstract ways? 

These are some of the questions that Portland High School (PHS) Advanced Art students grappled with during an exploration of representing big ideas through abstraction. In Spring 2023, we started by looking at a variety of contemporary artists and their practices working with abstraction, including a visit to the PMA to see artworks by artists such as Jeffrey Gibson and Leonardo Drew. Student artists then created their own body of work that connected to one or more of the following themes: memory, conflict, or identity. Each artist created three to five pieces of art that relate to the themes and demonstrate progression or regression, or a metamorphosis. Collectively and individually the artworks devolve or evolve to reflect change in various forms.  

Featured
Bilisa Abdullahi, Phagophobia
Bilisa Abdullahi, Phagophobia

This artwork is my way of expressing my childhood fear that still scares me till this day. 

Sal Beyer-Labrecque, Understanding and Acceptance
Sal Beyer-Labrecque, Understanding and Acceptance

I created a series of sculptures that follow my experience of understanding and accepting my gender identity.

Bailey Erickson, Memories Pass
Bailey Erickson, Memories Pass

This piece as a whole can be read in multiple ways whether it be read left to right as giving memories away, or vice versa, taking in memories.

Lily Hutchins, Losing Time
Lily Hutchins, Losing Time

My three pieces represent the loss of core childhood memories, imitating the form of sensory neurons which transmit and make sense of these memories as well as trigger the feeling of nostalgia.

Jesseca Kelsey, The spoiled cocoon
Jesseca Kelsey, The spoiled cocoon

This piece features the effect a traumatic event has on the human heart and mind.

Anita Kim, Untitled
Anita Kim, Untitled

This line of work is inspired by the stages of grief and the emotions that a person holds within.

Cristo Manuel, Untitled
Cristo Manuel, Untitled

Its intended purpose was to demonstrate difference between childhood and the beginning of adulthood and all its differences going from different stages of both.

Charlie Norris, Untitled
Charlie Norris, Untitled

In his most recent piece, Norris used scrap metal to create an interactive element of sound.

Isabella Tarkinson, Elementary
Isabella Tarkinson, Elementary

Using consistent themes throughout the entirety of the piece, I tried to display the physical tolls of coming out at an early age, the experiences of bullying, and traumatic injuries.  

Since 2019, the Portland Public Schools (PPS) and Portland Museum of Art Partnership Program has aimed to build connections, resources, and collaborations with the PPS district. These partnerships are focused on student needs and interests, and developed in collaboration with educators doing essential work in all content areas. We hope that partnerships such as these help to amplify the power of art and art-making, along with the incredible arts education work being done in our local communities. 

For more information, about school programs and partnerships at the PMA, please visit our Learn page, or email Meghan Quigley Graham mquigley@portlandmuseum.org. 

 The PMA Schools Experience Initiative, including the PPS and PMA Partnership Program, is made possible by the Sam L. Cohen Foundation. 

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