Bette Alexander makes art in series of stylized paintings depicting the human figure. She has been painting since age 16, when she saw El Greco’s “View of Toledo” and realized that painting was her life’s work. She holds a Master of Arts in Ethnographic Art—a subject that resonates in her work. Alexander’s studies and extensive travel have helped her formulate a more spiritually direct, primal style. Her expressionist paintings are inspired by the vibrant cultures of people from around the world and are made with oil paint and oil sticks on paper.
While in Ethiopia a few years ago, she experienced the festival of Timkat, the most important Christian holiday for those of Ethiopian Orthodox faith. The holy relics used in the ceremony are said to hold the Ten Commandments, important to Alexander because of her Jewish background. Alexander also researched the destroyed wooden synagogues of Eastern Europe and used what she found to create the “Reimagined Synagogues.” She says of both series, “I was inspired by the enduring faith of people in our world.” Bette Alexander lives and works in Manhattan and maintains a studio in Delhi. This show will be up at the West Kortright Centre through August 22.
Many thanks to Hand in Hand Farm and Brewery Ommegang for the delicious food & dink at the 7/17 opening!
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