SPOTLIGHT ON ART – Thinking it through: Creativity continues in Malaga Cove
by Bondo Wyszpolski
Photos by Tony LaBruno
A public reception for “Are You Thinking What I’m Thinking?” takes place Saturday, Feb. 26, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Malaga Cove Library Art Gallery. The exhibit features the work of 39 artists who were pushed to the outer limits of their imagination. Who pushed them? Me.
Okay, me, and Debbie Giese, and Bernard Fallon, and Karen Wharton, and a few others.
A slightly smaller version of this show was exhibited at the Palos Verdes Art Center, but this presentation is quite different.
Instead of arranging the works by color, visually effective in its own way, I opted for creating an internal dialogue by theme or mood. For example, the dance-related works hanging together are: “On Being Taught Ballet by Peter Pan,” “From Swan Lake to Swanee River,” and “I Danced with God, But I Stepped on His Shoe.” You won’t see titles that cool at LACMA!
Other groupings revolve around food, and eating, aquatics and sea life, and of course (in one dark corner) the psychologically terrifying: “Fear of the Mouse” and “I Married a Woman from the Spanish Armada.”
In short, little playlets within a larger play, like verses in a book of psalms, or movements in a symphony.
The titles inspired the pictures, the pictures inspired lyrics, and the lyrics inspired songs. The music was composed by Brad Webster (I penned the lyrics, and also the picture titles). Not all of the artworks have completed songs, but most do, and they can be heard in the gallery by using your phone, or by clicking on “videos” at the show’s website: areyouthinkingwhatimthinking.art.
Dozens of dubious awards, and certificates will be handed out, and it should be a jolly time for all as long as the liquor keeps flowing.
Saturday, Feb. 26, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. The Malaga Cove Library is at 2400 Via Campesina, Palos Verdes Estates. (310) 377-9584 or pvld.org. PEN
