Old Port Square x TEMPOart Announce Opening of ‘Relative Position’

Old Port Square, East Brown Cow, and TEMPOart celebrated the opening of Relative Position, a new temporary public art installation by Portland-based artist Josh Brill, with a public gathering at 200 Middle Street on October 21.

Located along two public stairways in the heart of Portland's Old Port, Relative Position transforms everyday pedestrian pathways into an interactive exploration of the neighborhood's history. Through a series of colorful, abstract murals incorporating Morse code, Brill invites visitors to uncover a hidden message reflecting the Old Port's evolution, challenges, and resilience.

The installation draws on Morse code's historical connection to maritime communication, offering a fitting link to Portland's working waterfront and nautical heritage. Designed to engage visitors as they move through the space starting on Exchange Street, the artwork encourages people to slow down, look more closely, and experience a familiar part of the city from a new perspective.

“Having lived in the Old Port for nearly two decades, I've walked these stairways countless times, so creating something for this particular space was especially meaningful,” said Brill. “I wanted to make something that people could experience in different ways—whether they simply enjoy the patterns and colors or take the time to decipher the message. There's a lot of history beneath the surface of this neighborhood, and I hope the artwork encourages people to discover some of it.”

Relative Position is the second temporary public art installation commissioned by Old Port Square in partnership with TEMPOart. The collaboration began in 2025 with Buoyancy, a three-part installation by Portland-based artist Margarita Jane Arguedas that transformed existing signage frames along Exchange and Union Streets into works of art. Together, the projects reflect an ongoing commitment to integrating contemporary art into the district's public spaces and creating new opportunities for residents and visitors to engage with their surroundings.

“Public art has a unique ability to change the way people experience and connect with a place,” said Jacob Soley, Director of Development at East Brown Cow. “Josh's installation brings an unexpected element of discovery to the Old Port, connecting the neighborhood's rich history with the energy and creativity that define it today. Building on our first collaboration with TEMPOart, we're excited to continue creating experiences that make Old Port Square a place people want to explore, revisit, and spend time.”

“What makes Relative Position so compelling is the way Josh transforms an ordinary passageway into an opportunity for discovery,” said Laura McDermitt, Director of TEMPOart. “His work invites people to participate, ask questions, and consider the history embedded in the places they pass through every day. Through our continued partnership with Old Port Square, we're creating opportunities for local artists to bring ambitious ideas into public spaces where they can reach new audiences and spark unexpected conversations.”

The installation is free and open to the public and is expected to remain on view for approximately two years. Learn more at oldportsquare.com/explore#on-display.