This content was published: September 18, 2007. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other information may have changed.
'Natural Disaster' show comes to PCC-Rock Creek
Photos and story by James Hill
The Helzer Art Gallery at Portland Community College will present Vicki Lynn Wilson’s art exhibit “Ms. Natural Disaster 2007” from Sept. 24 through Oct. 13. There will be an artist’s talk from Wednesday, Oct. 3, at noon and a reception from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 10, in the gallery at the Rock Creek Campus, 17705 N.W. Springville Road.
Wilson’s work frequently blends sculpture, installation and performance. This installation includes the costume Wilson designed and fabricated for the Deitch Projects Art Parade in New York. She was one of the artists selected for this year’s parade and she appeared as Ms. Natural Disaster 2007. Inspired by the mountain ranges of the Northwest and the recent eruptions of Mount Saint Helens, Wilson’s costume transformed herself into an erupting volcano with overtones of Las Vegas in a dress supported by hundreds of balloons and a towering showgirl headdress supporting quivering flames and embers sculpted from Styrofoam. The installation also will include John Larsen’s video footage of Wilson’s New York performance.
“The aim of my work is to create a train wreck that you can’t look away from but that you find disturbingly funny,” Wilson said.
Wilson, who received her master’s degree in fine arts from Portland State University, recently has shown at Blackfish Gallery and as part of Kitchen Sink’s “Step into My Office.” Last summer, she performed her show, “Kill! All! Now!,” on the Willamette River.
The Helzer Gallery is open Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The gallery is in Room 122 of Building 3. For more information, contact Prudence Roberts, gallery director, at (503) 244-6111, ext. 3434.
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About James Hill
James G. Hill, an award-winning journalist and public relations writer, is the Director of Public Relations at Portland Community College. A graduate of Portland State University, James has worked as a section editor for the Newberg Graphic... more »