PORTLAND, ORE – Beginning November 14th artist Alex Luboff will present an installation at the Portland Building that offers visitors a timely reminder of how extractive energy infrastructure is confronting communities in Oregon and across the continent. His series of meticulously hand-crafted wooden pipelines, unavoidable as they cleave and intersect the exhibition space, can be seen as craft objects, or as a design composition, but the reference to the imposing physical presence that pipelines represent in our landscape is unavoidable.
Luboff’s project highlights the large scale systemic obstructions dealt to nature and society by the continued expansion of extractive energy infrastructure through this metaphor of “pipeline.” Projects ranging from the Keystone XL pipeline, the proposed LNG terminals and pipelines in Oregon, and the current face-off over construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline are just a few of the growing number of energy infrastructure projects with the potential to significantly alter our surroundings, impact ecosystems, and force communities into confrontation with government, industry, their fellow citizens, and a swiftly changing climate.
“As a metaphorical obstruction pipelines represent the immense government and private investments that support fossil fuel based energy—at the expense of directing resources towards other solutions less damaging. As a systemic obstruction these infrastructure projects reinforce a value system that does not prioritize a sustainable and equitable vision for humanity and the planet.” – Alex Luboff
About the Artist: Alex Luboff works primarily with built and assembled structure to respond to society in the environment. His work as an artist, educator, and woodworker reflects his interest in intersections of craft and human struggle and is influenced and inspired by the stories of change makers, dreamers, and fighters—their acts of courage, their proud, bold, and humble moments. Alex’s practice is driven by a deep belief in the power of experience, working with hands and body, and the learning that takes place beyond words. This extends to his work teaching boatbuilding, sailing, woodworking, and environmental science to teens around the Northwest.
Viewing Hours & Location: The Portland Building is located at 1120 SW 5th Avenue in downtown Portland and is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday – Friday. Pipelines opens Monday, November 14 and runs through Friday, December 9.
The Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC) manages the 13’ x 8’ installation space in the lobby of the Portland Building and presents installation based art there year round. For more information, including images, proposals, and statements for projects dating back to 1994, go to www.racc.org/installationspace.
###
The Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC) provides grants for artists, nonprofit organizations and schools in Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington Counties; manages an internationally acclaimed public art program; raises money and awareness for the arts through Work for Art; convenes forums, networking events and other community gatherings; provides workshops and other forms of technical assistance for artists; and oversees a program to integrate arts and culture into the standard curriculum in public schools through The Right Brain Initiative. RACC values a diversity of artistic and cultural experiences and is working to build a community in which everyone can participate in culture, creativity and the arts. For more information visit racc.org.