A DOG ON A STICK W.P.P. by Patrick Rock
  • EVAN LALONDE
  • A DOG ON A STICK W.P.P. by Patrick Rock

All too often, perfectly good art is ruined by taking itself too seriously—well, okay, maybe not ruined, that's a strong word, but still. Just as some people suffer from incurable allergies to poetry, I am allergic to pretentious artist statements*, artist bios longer than the works they accompany, and anything that declares itself "important" (DON'T YOU TELL ME HOW TO FEEL).

If you feel the same way, read on, for Jenna Lechner has found the antidote to our plight, in the form of one particular show that's made a point of not being too serious, Paraprosdokians and Rubber Chickens at the Art Gym at Marylhurst University. Here's her report:

This is the first thing you see when you enter the show Paraprosdokians and Rubber Chickens at Marylhurst University's Art Gym: 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.

Go read her whole review here. Then go see the show! You have until the end of the day tomorrow, when it closes, taking the rubber chickens and poorly-mannered dogs with it.

*and don't tell me that's all artist statements, ya cynic!