Hardy, Roll. Centennial Mills. Oil on paper. 2011. 11 x 22 7/8 inches; sheet; 14 9/16 x 23 1/2 inches.
This piece is one of six paintings by artist Roll Hardy created to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Visual Chronicle of Portland. The Visual Chronicle is a city-owned art collection that seeks to portray the vitality of the city in its many aspects over time. In this series of paintings, Hardy sought to “focus on some of the seldom seen fringe metro areas and sites… in which the processes of decay and re-assimilation into the natural environment are evident.”
In this image Hardy depicts a building on the northwest banks of the Willamette River. “I have painted the Centennial Mills structure many times in the past from an array of view points, but this was the first opportunity I have had to see it from the perspective of being on the water. This structure has stood for so long on that stretch of river and has welcomed countless people into downtown Portland including my Grandfather during WWII. Now it sits in stark contrast to the ultra modern Pearl district behind it. I find that juxtaposition of old and new intriguing.”
Courtesy Regional Arts & Culture Council Visual Chronicle. © the Artist.
Artist Credit: Roll Hardy
Exhibition: Regional Arts & Culture Council Visual Chronicle