Using mainly pen and paper to create inspiring drawings and fantastic creatures involved in never-ending stories, eight-year-old artist Simonet Valencia Montijo will present for the first time 14 original artworks in collaboration with her mother, Mexican curator and artist Bettsy Garcia Montijo. Bettsy, who provides colour to Simonet’s drawings, will showcase over fifty artworks together with original pieces from her grandmother, late artist Consuelo Villasenor Romo.
Umbilical – A Rare Glimpse Into Genetics Through Art, presents an opportunity to see artworks – oil paintings and mixed media – from three generations of Mexican female artists in different stages of life and latitudes, who use their love for animals and nature as their main source of inspiration. Consuelo was known for her impressionist colorful paintings of landscapes, animals and portraits whilst her granddaughter Bettsy surrealistically portrays human figure and dreamful landscapes. The great-granddaughter Simonet, tirelessly fills notebooks with drawings of fantastic animals in scenes full of action.
Born to Mexican parents in the USA, growing up in Singapore, and with a clear genetic tendency to art and creation, Simonet – who has never taken drawing classes – is an enthusiastic 8 year old who uses ink and paper to create uncontainable imaginary scenes with animal characters. She has not stopped drawing since she was 3 years old and was first able to hold a pen to extend the power of her imagination onto paper.
Bettsy’s artwork is a mixture of experiences from her childhood, her adult life and motherhood. Her painting is inspired by old and new events and by children’s imagination. She depicts scenes of utopian worlds where plants, animals and dreams bring balance to reality. She believes art is a tool to communicate valuable messages and that everybody has a creative vein within, especially children.
The eccentric Consuelo had an aura of tranquility that radiated to those around her. She enjoyed playing piano and painting since childhood. There were times where ‘nana’ Consuelo lacked of material to create, so she used cow’s hair to make brushes and disposable paper plates as canvas. Uncontainable too, her spontaneous brushstrokes and her particular view of life taught Bettsy the importance of feeding and strengthening the soul to confront hard moments in life.
Venue: The Substation, Contemporary Art Centre, 45 Armenian Street, Singapore 179936
When: 19 - 20 May 2018, Saturday, May 19th, 10.00-19.00hrs. and Sunday, May 20th, 10.00 – 14.00 hrs
By: The Substation
