Curated by Ben Buswell of OPENS Gallery, this new exhibition in the Concourse E Extension Display Case is a playful and visual study of nature. Intricately painted and cut paper moths by Chris Knight interplay with colorful paintings of sea creatures on wood panel by Preston Graves. Both artists are driven by curiosity and close observation of their subjects with Latin species names placed next to each according creature. This exhibition aims to spark moments of discovery and delight for passengers of all ages as they pass through Concourse E.
Preston Graves is an avid scuba diver in the Salish Sea year-round with an art practice driven by his observations underwater.
“I collect information by sketching underwater on dives, taking photographs and observing intently to study and remember the interesting habitats and inhabitants I encounter. There’s an almost meditative calm underwater for me and slowly observing while relaxing into the environment provides me an experience I feel incredibly fortunate to be a part of.”
Preston Graves grew up finding insects, spiders, scorpions and lizards in Arizona. He currently lives and works in Seattle, Washington and finds many mushrooms and sea creatures. He learned to draw and paint at Mesa Community College and obtained art degrees from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago and University of Oregon.
Chris Knight’s primary artistic focus has been on comics and illustration. It was when developing an illustrated book featuring a character who turns into a moth that Knight began painting moths as subjects. From there the artist researched moths and got the idea to make a book shaped like a moth with each page depicting a different species. It was through this process that a door was opened and Knight kept researching and making paper moths.
“Making moths became a necessary outlet. It allowed me to reconnect with the joy of making and reminded me of the importance of curiosity, intuition, and the freedom to follow an idea.”
Chris Knight is an artist and educator who makes drawings, paintings, and comics that investigate narrative and symbol. He holds degrees from University of Wisconsin-Madison, the Pacific Northwest College of Art, and Vassar College. Chris is the recipient of the WK Rose Fellowship in the Creative Arts and a Joan Mitchell Foundation Grant. His work has been shown in NYC, Chicago, San Francisco, Seattle, and at various locations across Oregon, including the Oregon Biennial. He has been teaching at Portland Community College since 2006.
OPENS is a curatorial project started by artist Ben Buswell that works to find venues to exhibit thoughtful, engaging and unrepresented artists. The goal of OPENS’ programming is to expose contemporary artists to new viewership and grow an interest in collecting art in unexpected and conversational settings.
For inquiries on Chris Knight’s work please contact chrisknightmoths@gmail.com or visit whoischrisknight.com
For inquiries on Preston Graves’ work please contact graves.preston@gmail.com or visit prestongraves.com