Parts & Wholes presents the work of nine artists, each invited to create–within a contained space–a series of individual pieces that together form a complementary whole.

In an overwhelming world, the enclosed edges of a contained space offer a certain safety–a grounding within which we are free to explore, discover patterns, and build connections. Building on that idea, curator Toby Gordon tasked each artist with creating a cohesive collection within a roughly five by six foot space.

The resulting works push against and fit within those boundaries, ranging from expansive, site specific installation to meticulously balanced grids. The collections reflect nine distinct voices, unique in their choice of subject, material, and scale; manipulation of color and texture; and organizational logic. Each elicits its own response, and encourages viewers to consider the role of interrelated pieces in a larger, dynamic whole.

Read the review in the Portland Press Herald

Select from the gallery below to view individual artist pages.

Browse the entire collection here.