January 4 - February 24
Main Gallery

Second Skin | J.D. Perkin & Anne Thompson

Opening Reception
First Thursday, January 4, 6-10pm
Open Frist Thursday, February 1 as well

6,000 earplugs…11,000 cigarette butts…865 pried open beer cans…1,000 pounds of clay…16 animal hides…tire tread, rose petals, human hair, fake fur, cross cut fir, pond liner, antlers, and leaves. These are some of the things encountered upon entering Second Skin, a life-size installation by J.D. Perkin and Anne Thompson at the Portland Art Center. The show’s title is derived from the unnatural media that covers each individual object in the installation. The artist duo has constructed a campsite that allows the viewer to experience texture, smell, color, video, and sound, while also presenting a familiar, yet, strange narrative, where nature and culture collide.

Beyond providing the viewer with a multi-sensory real-time experience, Second Skin explores the idea of “materials”. Where do they originate, and where do they end up? What happens to tires when they fall apart? Why are animal hides dyed a less-than-natural mint green? How can something as repulsive as cigarette butts be so attractive? Second Skin does not attempt to be “pro” or “anti” anything; it merely raises questions to ponder, while providing a surreal campsite foray.

This installation is funded in part by: