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Print by James Lavadour of two mountains. The foreground mountain is a bright lime green and the larger mountain in the background is a turquoise blue

Color Outside the Lines

Downtown

When

Aug. 20–Dec. 6, 2024

Days Vary, Times vary

Free

Where

Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art at Portland State University

1855 SW Broadway
Portland, OR 97201

The following description was submitted by the event organizer.

The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art at PSU is pleased to present Color Outside the Lines from the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation, featuring the work of 18 contemporary artists who have used color to question institutions, beliefs, and expectations. All events are free to the public.

A debate in art history centers around the dominance of form versus color. From ancient Greece to modern times, artists and critics have weighed which element holds greater significance. In his book, Chromophobia (2000), artist and writer David Batchelor argues that color is often linked with groups that have traditionally faced discrimination within mainstream society, including women, people of color, and queer communities. This exhibition explores whether such groups can reclaim color to challenge established norms.

Some artists in the exhibition celebrate and amplify colors intrinsic to their cultures, showcasing beauty once dismissed or rendered invisible. For instance, artists like Faith Ringgold and Christopher Myers create works inspired by African quilts and stories; these pieces emphasize the vivid contrasts in color often prevalent in African textiles. Other artists employ color to confront stereotypes and subvert expectations. Derrick Adams’s Eye Candy (2022) incorporates images of a Black man wearing brightly colored leotards; these images are borrowed from 1970s underwear advertisements, prompting contemplation of ideas around masculinity, sexuality, and who is considered worthy of being portrayed.

Furthermore, some artists utilize color as a tool to challenge institutions or to assert control. Caitlin Cherry’s Fruit Molotov Cocktail (2017) depicts a dying figure against the backdrop of a blazing colonial New England home, symbolizing the dismantling of colonial structures.

Artists include Derrick Adams, Polly Apfelbaum, Antonius-Tín Bui, Iván Carmona, Lauren Hana Chai, Caitlin Cherry, Sam Gilliam, Hock E Aye Vi Edgar Heap of Birds, Ana María Hernando, Jenny Holzer, Salomón Huerta, Anish Kapoor, James Lavadour, Christopher Myers, Faith Ringgold, Isaka Shamsud-Din, Andy Warhol, and Stanley Whitney.

Information on all exhibition events and updates are available on the JSMA at PSU website: pdx.edu/museum-of-art/

Color Outside the Lines is curated by Maryanna G. Ramirez. Support for this exhibition is provided by Jordan Schnitzer and the Harold and Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation, JSMA Exhibition Circle, Richard and Helen Phillips Charitable Fund, and Elements Roofing.

Opening Reception: Thursday, August 22, 5–7 p.m. 
RSVP: bit.ly/Fall2024Reception 

JSMA at PSU is pleased to present free monthly tours of Color Outside the Lines from the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation. The tour will be led by museum staff to cover the exhibition's highlights on 9/21, and 11/16.
RSVP: bit.ly/JSMAatPSU_Fall2024

A Tour led by Museum Director Maryanna Ramirez will take place on 9/19 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Contemporary artist Iván Carmona will join the tour and share insights on his sculpture in the exhibition.
RSVP: https://bit.ly/jsmatouroct19

Image Credit: James Lavadour (Walla Walla, b. 1951), Spring 2023, 2023, lithograph, Edition 3/20, 25 x 34 inches, Published by Crow's Shadow Institute of the Arts, Pendleton, OR, Collection of Jordan D. Schnitzer, Courtesy of the artist and Crow's Shadow Institute of the Arts, OR