In Specular, Damien Gilley presents his first work in virtual reality, developed during his residency with Portland-based creative and production studio dotdotdash. In this exhibition, Gilley explores drawing as sculpture in an immersive environment where the work is experienced as objects in space. Specular leads and suggests—like a map or architectural sketch—luring the visitor to participate in the act of viewing. The experience raises questions about the relationship between the seen and unseen, the digital and human scale, the virtual and real, and how these matters might be navigated as artists embrace new technologies.

A limited edition of sixty custom-fabricated brass pendants by the artist accompanies the exhibition. Titled “Decoder Ring,” the pendants are a counterpoint to the immersive character of the exhibition and represent Gilley’s affection for immaterial architecture and metaphysical geometry.

Damien Gilley has exhibited in Portland, OR, at Carl & Sloan, the Pacific Northwest College of Art, and Linfield College as well as nationally including at The Belfry, Hornell, NY; and Suyama Space, Seattle, WA. He has shown internationally at MARC | Milvus Artistic Research Center, Kivik, Sweden; East/West Project with Dam Stuhltrager Gallery, Berlin, Germany; and Tetem Kunstruimte, Enschede, Netherlands. Gilley has received numerous grants including a 2016 Project Grant from the Regional Arts and Culture Council, Portland, OR; a 2014 Career Opportunity Grant from the The Ford Family Foundation, Oregon Arts Commission, Salem, OR; a Crow’s Shadow Institute of the Arts Printmaking Fellowship, Pendleton, OR; and an Individual Artist Fellowship from the Oregon Arts Commission. Damien Gilley lives and works in Portland, OR.

dotdotdash

dotdotdash is a creative and production studio specialized in cutting-edge multimedia entertainment experiences. They offer a residency that connects artists with technology, providing them the opportunity to participate in the evolution of a new language in art + design. The residency provides technical support, creative management, and studio space for development of new work.