by Patricia Frischer
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| Jesse Bergman |
The
San Diego Art Directory
(SDAD) has two exhibitions now on view as part of their Activated Spaces Program.
The idea is to curate and install rotating exhibitions of artwork in
business spaces throughout San Diego — from cafés and offices to boutiques and
co-working spaces.
Both
exhibitions are curated for SDAD by Blanca Lucia Bergman (Artists Unite/Mental
Wellness for Artists) who was challenged to put together work for two quite
different spaces, but both in La Jolla. Seen and Whole is at the Congregational Church of La Jolla and
In Situ is at Unscripted
Spaces. The audiences for these works could not be more different. The average
age at the Church is early 80’s while the clients at the interior design space
are ultra contemporary.
Even
with two such extremes, Bergman was able to find more than one artist who had
work that could live in both spaces. Above and below are two images each by Jess Bergman
(husband of Blanca) and Ana Maria Herrera. With careful choice of the artwork,
you have the graphic impact that a modern space demands, as well as the more
contemplative appeal of work which spurs the imagination. Several other artists are
represented in both spaces although the selection here could not include the
huge selection that is on view at both spaces.
At
Seen & Whole, Cecilia Anastos, who is represented in both
spaces, give us a punch of color in a surrealist composition. Abbygail
Zanoni almost shouts out the message that we all need to be heard. The bright
changing lights of Janet Hansen, led one the parishioners to wonder what
the minister would look like wearing this as vestments. Julio Martha multi-media sculpture is meant to
disintegrate with a picture of his younger self symbolizing his growing
distance from a younger self. The
stunning photos by John Mireles almost look like paintings, maybe because
the subject is of transsexuals in full war paint. Missy Galang and Laurie
Batter carry forward the figurative theme but in quite different ways. The works
are in two of the communal rooms of the church, which are used for all sorts of
gatherings. Bergman was able to move furniture to showcase the art and keep it
all very conversational.
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| Jess Bergman |
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| Ana Maria Herrera |
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| Ana Maria Herrera |
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| Cecilia Anastos |
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| Abbygail Zanoni |
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| Janet Hansen |
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| Julio Martha |
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| John Mireles |
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| Missy Galang |
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| Laurie Batter |
Unscripted
Spaces
is laid out like a home on two floors with a living room at the entrance, a kitchen, bedroom,
dining room and bathroom. Continuing the figurative them at In
Situ, Adrian Huth contributed the perfect bedroom painting. Wonderful
pottery by Greg Lowe is spread out on both floors. There is a hallway
leading to the staff room that has been made into a fantasy world with work by Franklyn
Rynehart. A charming transparent
floral kimono in unusual dark tones hangs over the bathtub by Doshi.
Jean Keane’s quiet
photograph of umbrella, joins the very pared down sculpture of a knelling
figure by Franco Vianello. Anna Zappoli never fails to impress with her high contrast
works with the integrity of a seasoned artist who can instill emotion in the
most abstract of works. Galina Marcus provides another pop of color with
portraits with no faces.  |
| Adrian Huth |
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| Greg Lowe |
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| Greg Lowe |
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| Franklyn Rynehart |
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| Jean Keane |
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| Franco Vianello |
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| Anna Zappoli |
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| Galina Marcus |
Blanca Lucia Bergman says that her choices were made with intuition, and they were spot on for the viewers of both.
Seen
& Whole
Congregational Church of La Jolla (CCLJ)
On
view until Aug 29, 2026
1216
Cave St, La Jolla, CA 92037
Open during Church events
In
Situ
Unscripted Spaces
On
view through September 2026
7730 Girard Avenue, San
Diego, CA 92037
Open during showroom hours. Contact to confirm is suggested: 619 361 1055 info@unscriptedspaces.com
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