Elusive Matter uses film and photography to explore craft-based media, challenging common expectations that craft results in a physical object. Using film's ability to capture time and space, the works on view by artists Jane Aaron, Mark Hursty and Lauren Kalman focus on material phenomena and abstract process rather than on form.

Individually, the works reveal playful, mesmerizing and disturbing glimpses of the way matter performs. Collectively, the work of Elusive Matter reminds us of the ways in which craft can be engaged outside of the physical creation of an object.

Read Verb List Compilation for Three Artists: Jane Aaron, Lauren Kalman, Mark Hursty, an essay by Kate Mondloch, assistant professor of contemporary art history and theory, University of Oregon (PDF).

EXHIBITIONS AND PUBLIC PROGRAMMING
ARE SUPPORTED BY:
Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation · Maribeth Collins · The Collins Foundation · John Gray Charitable Fund of the Oregon Community Foundation · John and Suzanne Bishop · PGE Foundation · Regional Arts & Culture Council · Mary Hoyt Stevenson Foundation · Rose E. Tucker Charitable Trust

IMAGE:

Lauren Kalman, Lip Adornment, 2006; Inkjet print; 23 x 30 inches; Courtesy of the artist and Sienna Gallery.

Mark Hursty, Installation view, Shelter, 2008; Digital print; 60 x 30 inches; Courtesy of the artist

Lauren Kalman, Hard Wear (Tongue Gilding), 2006; LCD/DVD player with looping DVD; Approximate
running time: 2.5 minutes; Courtesy of the artist and Sienna Gallery