Portland State Magazine Fall 2011

. . Art intersects with angst AS A STUDENT , Ralph Pugay won a prestigious art award that continues to raise his profile nationwide. His work, which spans sculpture, painting, and performance art, often focuses on the tense intersection of anxiety and catastrophe and combines ideas in paradoxical ways. Pugay '07, MFA '10 says he doesn't worry about how concretely an audience can parse out his themes as much as he hopes to push viewers' comfort level. This performance art piece by Ralph Pugay received the International Sculpture Center's 2010 Outstanding Student Achievement in Contemporary Sculpture Award. 6 PORTLAND STATE MAGAZINE FALL 2011 "For the audience, I hope it becomes more of an experience of looking at something and appreciating it for what it is versus something you have to try to figure out," he says. "That's an important exercise, too. It's important to simply acknowledge alienation in a world so filled with uncertainty." His 2010 award from the Internacional Sculpture Center was for a piece that juxtaposes seemingly opposite ideas of physical therapy, reality TV game shows, and an obstacle course. Since graduation, Pugay has been working to connect with galleries and artists outside of Portland. His work has shown in Portland and New York galleries, and his winning sculpture is part of an International Sculpture Center traveling exhibit of student winners' work around the country. While he isn't yet making a living solely on his art, Pugay, a native of the Philippines, is enjoying exploring the world through his work. "I would not recommend art as a means to make a living," he says with a laugh. "It's fun to do. It keeps me off the streets." WE WANT TO HEAR about your books and recordings and your future exhibits, performances, and directing ventures. Contact the magazine by emailing psumag@ pdx.edu, or mailing Portland State Magazine, Office of University Communications, PO Box 751, Portland OR 97207-0751 . . . ·········· ·· ··························· ··· ·· ···· ····· ·