Disjecta Contemporary Art Center

At first I saw people who looked like moms of performers, waiting with half smiles. There were light projections I had to adjust my eyes to and when I did I saw the ever changing colorful square patterns they made on the wall of the entry way. There was already a decent crowd waiting for the next open mic performer. After a moment of piercing feedback someone was introduced who started singing careful guitar melodies for a few minutes.
This was my first time at Deep Under Ground or DUG and the good energy was felt immediately. This event on Friday January 15 celebrated their first year in action and their first time at a public venue, Disjecta. The stage was set in the middle of the room in the form of a few different platforms. Art hung on the walls in a few clusters. In the corner artist Steven Christian worked on a painting of MLK adorned with a crown, casually seated on a throne and surrounded by illustrated characters. I remembered the last time I was mesmerized by live painting at a music event in San Cristobal de las Casas Mexico. I thought of the similar vibes of social action and wondered about the history of live painting at music and art events.
One thing I couldn’t help but notice and feel excited about was the diversity in the audience, participating artists and organizers, something that has been lacking in my experience with the Portland art scene since moving here in August. After a few more artists played and spun lyrics over beats it was announced that they were moving into a spoken word and performance art section. «Channeling discontent into creative outlets to create nonviolent direct action» is the motto of DUG and after a few more performances that motto was felt. Spoken word artist Isaiah Spriggs moved about the space frenetically while listing out traumas and reflecting on ways to be more generative «I try to tell myself perfection is reflection, but do I believe it though? I turn on my tv and my radio /​and witness what happens to non whites /​now its no wonder that my older brother dyed his hair blond twice /​by the age of 16 /​can you tell me what this shit means?» «Growing up in Portland where whiteness is a standard I know they want you to adore».
My friend introduced me to Mia O’Connor, one of the curators and founders of DUG, who later participated in a sweet dance performance set to acoustic guitar strumming. I feel like an outsider in Portland still, observing without knowing many people, and it was clear as the night unfolded at Disjecta that a community has formed around DUG in the past year. I could feel the joy of those who were running the show at having been able to accomplish a developed and solid program for a widening public. It felt like a vital and important event and I was grateful to be able to listen to what artists had to say and eager to come again. The later part of the night moved into performers and DJs and the party grew and grew.

I can’t believe I haven’t heard of this place until recently! I was there last week for their annual action and it was fabulous.
Disjecta is a medium/​small gallery and performance space featuring a nice array if contemporary art. From what I understand most of their programs are free or low cost. The evening event I went to there was well organized, inspiring, lively and entertaining. I had a great time. I will definitely be paying more attention to what they have going on at Disjecta!

The first thing to love about Disjecta is that all of its programming is free and open to the public. An essential part of Portland’s cultural landscape.

Very cool art space. Saw interesting «music» (noise) performance here the other night by a Japanese guy… name is slipping my mind but it was well worth coming out for. I’m very happy this place exists and it will be on my radar as an event calendar to check regularly.

Are you interested in contemporary art? Disjecta is a place to visit for visual art, performance and music. I can’t believe it does not have more reviews!
Big cities have fancy art institutions with m (b)illionare supporters, openings with gentleman in expensive watches and women in minks.
This is not that. Disjecta presents shows and events, mostly free, of new art, attended by real Portlanders, and you are invited!
What’s special is that Disjecta knows what’s next before museums!
Disjecta has opening events for art shows, performances on scheduled days and nights, and ongoing art shows. Check their web site, Twitters or FB.
The ongoing art shows you can visit are quiet and for you to absorb and contemplate. Free!
Openings and performances are especially lively with a bar and outdoor firepit for socializing. A few have admission but most are free!
If you are a creative person in Portland, you will meet creative people at Disjecta events.

I’ve done 3 shows at Disjecta and had a positive experience each time.
The stage inside the warehouse is decent sized, so you can do a lot with the space. For stage performances, with curtains drawn around the stage area and chairs, the feeling is a little cozy, but with the vast, high ceilings, it’s not at all constraining.
The acoustics can be challenging, but it’s not bad. All around, there’s just a very good, relaxed vibe.
You can get a full bar set up here too, which is nice.
I have a feeling I’ll be back.

Disjecta is a multi-​function art space up in NoPo that offers a home to a vastly under-​served community. The space is fairly small and intimate, and the uses range from art installations to parties to (from the sounds of it) all sorts of interesting stuff.
I can’t say all that much about the space — I was there for the Modified Style fashion show in 2011 — but I can say that it worked well for the event. There was a large room for models to get prepped, a decent-​sized space for a runway, and ample entrance/​exit areas set back on a guarded parking lot area. I hear from the owner that the parking lot area may become a park space/​outdoor exhibit space, which if it happens will take the level of awesomeness up a few notches.
They have the ability to do alcohol (full) which is a must for shows like these. The bathrooms are adequate and designed more for an art-​space/​loft than an event, but I understand events are not the primary purpose for the space.
I’m definitely interested to come back and see some art in this space.

I wish the space was larger .
The parking isn’t great but its do-​able, some on street some off.
The booze is a +