This is the first thing you see when you enter the show Paraprosdokians and Rubber Chickens at Marylhurst University’s Art Gym:
- Evan LaLonde
- W.P.P. by Patrick Rock
A goofy oversized lawn ornament—a dog on a stick, taking a shit. It’s a piece by Patrick Rock, and I’m pretty sure seeing it marked the first time I entered an art show by laughing. That is to say: it’s the last week to catch this goofy but engaging show at the Art Gym, at Marylhurst University, which runs through December 5.
It’s really refreshing when an art show doesn’t take itself too seriously, and this show has a lot of fun, while also being engaged in the art world, with its pulse on contemporary queries.
Marylhurst University recently received a massive grant for The Art Gym. Some of the artists (which are a mix of local artists and non-locals) in the exhibit have also received major accolades as of late, namely Ralph Pugay, who received the coveted Betty Bowen Award this year and recently showed a delightfully wonky suite of paintings at Upfor Gallery.
The show’s name comes from a comedic turn of phrase (paraprosdokians), plus, obviously, a comedy prop (rubber chickens). The work in the show is a combination of every medium—there’s painting, sculpture, video work, and photography. A lot of the work is “funny” in the way that Pop Art is funny: an everyday item is reframed by a new context (a formal art gallery) or blown up and made into a statement of the uncanny. Take for instance Jamie Isenstein’s ear plugs dangling on a chain, hanging from ear hooks (titled Ear Plug Ear Ring). Or the print of the limp rubber chicken, by Sara Greenberger Rafferty.
It’s always a bit of a trek from Portland proper to check out the Art Gym—it’s in Lake Oswego—but this show is totally worth it, plus, bonus: with its massive windows and beautiful hardwood floors, the Art Gym itself has got to be one of the best exhibition spaces in the area. To see for yourself, you can check out the Art Gym’s hours, here.