Chefas Projects presents In Plain Sight, a two-person exhibition of new works by Nathan McKee and Ryan Bubnis. Through meticulous paper cutouts and energetic paintings, both artists continue their exciting use of color, shape, and composition to create playful and layered images, many of which draw from personal memories and the hidden treasures of everyday life.
What things are seen all the time, but often overlooked or taken for granted? The spread of dishes set out for our morning breakfast, the buildings we pass on a daily commute, the coming and going of birds in the backyard. In Plain Sight asks us to pay closer attention to these familiar visuals, invoking a sense of renewed appreciation and wonderment as a result.
With his latest work, Bubnis riffs off the phrase “bird-dog," which was once deployed by his own father as a call to “doggedly seek out" the sights and experiences we might otherwise miss. McKee likewise demonstrates the unique ability to elevate everyday objects, transforming our own perspectives in turn. In addition to a keen eye, both artists impart whimsicality without losing their aesthetic edge.
Nathan McKee is an artist and illustrator who lives and works in Portland, Oregon. McKee’s illustrations, sculptures, murals and paper cutouts utilize simple lines and flat color. Inspired by growing up in the 80’s, McKee’s work draws upon the nostalgia of his youth as well as his current day surroundings. His work has been exhibited around the world, most notably Portland, Hawaii, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, and Japan. McKee studied at the Pacific Northwest College of Art in Portland, Oregon.
Ryan Bubnis is a multidisciplinary artist, illustrator, and muralist based in Portland, Oregon. Equally influenced by Do-It-Yourself culture, art history, and the natural world, he explores themes of presence, connection, and the shared human experience. Pared-down shapes, textures, patterns, and bold colors combine to inspire a sense of calm, curiosity, accessibility, and introspection. His work has been exhibited extensively across the U.S. and abroad, including Portland, San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, Miami, Taipei (ROC), and London. Bubnis received a BFA in Illustration from the Pacific Northwest College of Art in Portland, Oregon.
