Storytelling art

A painting usually conveys a thought, feeling or scene. The exhibition Conversations at the Centre Gallery of the Phyllis P. Marshall Center conveys much more than that: It tells a story.

The gallery of paintings and drawings are by seniors Motoko Hunting and Daniel Mantilla. “Each of our works aims to tell a compelling story that deals with our personal experiences and imaginations,” Hunting said.

When entering the gallery,one becomes immersed in anabstract world filled withsmudges of colors that depictpeople, chickens and cats. Theartists use a range of mediums,from rice paper withwatercolors to wood. Their culturalbackgrounds can clearlybe seen through the art aswell.”Daniel Mantilla mixes thelandscape of his nativeColumbia and his transitoryFlorida as background for hischaracters. Some appearmaterialized while others’presence is only suggested,”according to the artists’ statement.One of the pieces, “SinisterFall” by Hunting, shows onescene of a child sitting down,and it’s painted in five variousways, using different shades ofcolors and techniques.”There is so much ineveryday life that keeps meinspired, but for this exhibition,travel, accidents and familyinspired me the most,”Hunting said. “Although thenarratives that we present arepersonal, they are also a lookinto a more global, contemporaryculture in which we participatein.”Both of the students payhomage to two famous artists- Hunting with “Me, Frida,and a Country Train,” basedon Frida Kahlo, and Mantillawith “Portrait of Andy Warholat Work.””We hope the works somehowconverse with the viewersin one way or another,”Hunting said. “We often workwith characters and symbolism,both apparent and lessso. Viewers get to see figurative,abstract and paintings inbetween.”The gallery will be openthrough Jan. 19, and a receptionwill be held tonight at 7.