Samantha Wall (b. 1977)

Taste in the Air, 2023

conté crayon, charcoal, and ink on Dura-Lar

31.25 x 82.5 inches framed

Framed: 31.25h x 82.50w in

 

Samantha Wall (b. 1977)

I dragged them across the ocean with me (No. 1), 2023

conté crayon, charcoal, and ink on Dura-Lar

31.25 x 41.25 inches framed

Framed: 31.25h x 41.25w in

 

Otis Kwame Kye Quaicoe

Observe (Self Study), 2023

oil and acrylic on wood panel

36 x 36 inches

 

Otis Kwame Kye Quaicoe

Look Over (Self Study II), 2023

oil and acrylic on wood panel

36 x 36 inches

 

Julian V.L. Gaines

Racism, A Broken Record of Truth., 2023

acrylic on clayboard

11 x 14 inches

 

Julian V.L. Gaines

Will you shuck and jive 2 stay alive?, 2023

acrylic on clayboard

11 x 14 inches

 

Julian V.L. Gaines

Half Assed Compassion Picnic!, 2023

acrylic on clayboard

11 x 14 inches

 

Julian V.L. Gaines

No False Friends, 2023

acrylic on clayboard

20 x 16 inches

 

Lisa Jarrett

Migration Studies, Beauty Supply (No. 55, Yellow twist comb with cowries and #4 Kinky Bulk), 2022

limited edition pigment print

49 x 36 inches unframed

Edition of 20

 

Lisa Jarrett

Migration Studies, Beauty Supply (No. 59, Pink glitz bonnet with animal print edge comb and headscarf), 2022

limited edition pigment print

49 x 36 inches unframed

Edition of 20

 

Lisa Jarrett

Migration Studies, Beauty Supply (No. 58, Pink animal print bonnet and animal print rattail combs), 2022

limited edition pigment print

49 x 36 inches unframed

Edition of 20

 

Lisa Jarrett

Migration Studies, Beauty Supply (No. 57, Blue polka dot shower cap and animal print headscarf), 2022

limited edition pigment print

49 x 36 inches unframed

Edition of 20

 

Intisar Abioto

Sight Film, by Kalimah Abioto, Portland, Oregon, 2017

digital pigment print

10 x 8 inches framed

 

Intisar Abioto

Flyaway. Portland Protest, MLK & Freemont, Portland, Oregon, 2020

digital pigment print

8 x 10 inches framed

 

Intisar Abioto

Midnite Abioto in Living Color, Portland, Oregon, 2021

digital pigment print

8 x 10 inches framed

 

Intisar Abioto

Desire Marea, Johannesburg, South Africa, 2016

digital pigment print

8 x 10 inches framed

 

Press Release

The Russo Lee Gallery is pleased to present But, why are you here? This exhibition, in recognition of Juneteenth, is a celebration of diversity and inclusivity through art. In featuring the works of Intisar Abioto, Julian V.L. Gaines, Lisa Jarrett, Otis Kwame Kye Quaicoe, and Samantha Wall, Russo Lee Gallery is committed to providing an opportunity for these extraordinary artists to share experiences and perspectives as Black artists working and living in Oregon.

Collectively, the artists determined what works they will exhibit.  Various small and large-scale pieces will be on view, in a number of mediums, from oil and acrylic on canvas to photography and limited- edition prints. As part of the exhibition, there will be a catalog available featuring a conversation among the artists and an essay by Dr. Kiara Hill, visiting Assistant Professor of Art History at Portland State University.