It is a dual painting exhibition as disparate as the personalities involved, like day and night, good and evil, beautiful and ugly. An unlikely — even odd — combination, indeed. Yet, when Crucible Gallery owner Sari Ortiga saw them standing together at one of his exhibition openings, it struck him that Betsy Westendorp and Igan D’Bayan share a common love for portraiture. That was the birth of the idea of showing their works together in a single exhibition.
As Ortiga further explained during the well-attended (a testament to how well-loved and respected the two artists are among their respective peers) opening last Tuesday, June 18, the show is a juxtaposition of contrasting personas, styles, philosophies and techniques — the octogenarian Spanish lady known for her elegant portraits and all-engulfing skyscapes (atmosferografia she calls them), while the younger painter, writer and erstwhile musician (heavy metal), D’Bayan has a love affair with the macabre, bizarre, demented, diabolic, and apocalyptic visions that will definitely provoke controversy.
Get a glimpse into the artists’ perceptions with their self-portraits and other works at this joint exhibition which runs until June 30 at The Crucible Gallery, 4th level, SM Megamall A, Mandaluyong City. For more information, call Chari Elinzano at 635-6061.