Rick Bartow: Storyteller

Museum

Feb 5

Thursday. February 5. 2026

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While I was at the Portland Art Museum, I spent a long time exploring “Storyteller” by Rick Bartow. The exhibition included many different kinds of works such as paintings, works on paper, and mixed media sculptures, so the whole space felt very rich and full of stories. Every piece had its own energy and emotion, but together they created a powerful and personal atmosphere.

What stood out to me the most was how expressive the works felt. Many of the figures and animals looked emotional, wild, and deeply connected to nature. Some pieces felt intense and heavy, while others felt quiet and thoughtful. I liked how the artworks did not feel overly polished or distant. Instead, they felt raw, honest, and very human.

I also enjoyed seeing the variety of materials and styles throughout the exhibition. One room could have large colorful paintings, while another space showed rough drawings or sculptures with strong textures. Because of that, the exhibition never felt repetitive. Each artwork gave a slightly different feeling and made me curious to keep exploring more.

The mixed media sculptures especially caught my attention because they felt so full of character in person. Seeing the textures, shapes, and details up close made the works feel alive in a way that photos probably cannot fully capture. The entire exhibition felt emotional, imaginative, and deeply personal, and it became one of the most memorable parts of my visit to the museum.