Last July 20, local artist Marta Beltramo had a successful opening reception at the Bendheim Gallery for her “The Science of Art” exhibition. About 200 people enjoyed a night of art and friendship. Her work is special and unique – she does not use brushes or any other conventional painting tools, and she paints with the canvas in horizontal position. The outcome is an amazing combination of art and shapes that are impossible to replicate. The Argentine-born artist combines her past life as a biochemist with her sui generis approach to art and abstract language to create a remarkable journey among the core feelings of painting.
“I am inspired by photos from above and below the surface of the Earth. When I contemplate the colors and shapes of deltas, rivers, oceans, or earth formations, a new painting begins to form in my mind. When a photo captivate my eyes I desire to capture that image on the canvas. And I get into motion. I mix acrylic paints to a liquid consistency, which I paint and/or pour directly onto the canvas. The colors blend into each other and mutate into new colors and unique shapes. I contour these liquid shapes by moving the canvas or using my pipette. Further transformation of shape and texture occurs as the paint dries. Since the colors I create have different densities, they run into each other in different ways and create patterns in surprising forms, which emerge after they dry. Textures naturally become visible in the smooth paint as lumps of thicker paint create patterns within the flow. My inner scientist connect with my inner artist and the magic happens,” Beltramo said.
“The Science of Art” will be on display through Sept. 12 at the Bendheim Gallery, 299 Greenwich Ave., second floor. Gallery hours are: Tuesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 12 to 4 p.m. For more information, visit greenwichartscouncil.org
