ADRIENE CRUZ: POWER PRAYER FOR THE COMMUNITY 

March 7 - April 21

This intimate exhibition touches on 32 years of Cruz’s working practice, reflecting on her meditative use of fiber materials, the visual language of her installation and sculptural practice, and her spiritually guided methodology to transform utilitarian objects into relics and treasures. Titled after Cruz’s most recent work, Power Prayer for the Community was a publicly engaged project hosted at the Portland Art Museum on February 24th. Regional Black artists were invited to contribute a talisman or amulet to adhere to various pieces of fabric. This open-studio format program allowed Cruz to work collaboratively with artists, engage with the public, and offer viewers a glimpse of her studio life. The result of this collective work is featured here, in the spirit of an egungun prayer flag. As in all of Cruz’s work, the threaded rituals in bringing materials together take on a resonance of ancestral power, healing, and blessing. Featured in conjunction with the expansive exhibition Black Artists of Oregon curated by Intisar Abioto, you can see more of Cruz’s work at the Portland Art Museum on view through March 31st. 

This public program and exhibition is curated by Teena Wilder, Art Bridges Community Partnerships and Curatorial Fellow, Portland Art Museum in partnership with Black Art/ists Gathering. 

The Black Gallery is open to the public by appointment only, Thursday to Sunday from 12 to 5pm. Group and class visits are highly encouraged - please email our team to arrange guided tours at info@theblackgallerypdx.com.