But of course it’s hard to tell features new works by Portland artist Alyson Provax and Seattle artist Serrah Russell. This collective body of work was made in parallel (across a distance, without meeting) during the middle of 2021. Both artists developed themes of engaging with the unknown and the hidden, fascinated by the vulnerability inherent in reaching out to another (particularly after a time apart) and not knowing how you will be received. These works are an attempt at connection but also a questioning of it. They recall the anxiety that we may not be able to be truly known, and contain a diaristic reflection on feelings of emptiness, trying to remember how to bring the interior life out.

Works on display will include solo and collaborative pieces by Provax and Russell, as well as works started by each but added to in transit as they traveled between the two artists via the US Postal Service. Mailing the works became an exercise in the deliberate ceding of control as creases, marks, and imprints affected and became part of the work. Both the content and the process mirrored the experiences of the artists in this time as they considered how to re-engage with each other and the greater world.

This show was supported in part by a grant by the Regional Arts and Culture Council, and Alyson and Serrah thank them for their generosity and support.

Visitor Information: At Well Well Projects 8371 N Interstate Ave #1, Portland OR 97217 Opening reception September 4, 2021 6-9 PM Open hours September 5-26, 2021: Saturdays and Sundays 12-5 PM and by appointment

Hours: Sat-Sun 12-5pm