Norwalk exhibit captures bond between artist and mentor
NORWALK EXHIBIT CAPTURES CONNECTION BETWEEN ARTIST AND MENTOR
For more than 60 years, Robert Cottingham has been a mainstay in the art world, painting everything from movie marquees, to store fronts, to freight trains. His subjects are both familiar and nostalgic, though he doesn’t paint people.
Conversely, Duvian Montoya, artistic and educational director of the Norwalk Art Space is no stranger to adding people to his work. In addition to his role at Art Space, Montoya’s work can be seen around the city, including on the walls of the South Norwalk train station. His canvases include those he knows — his family, his friends, the staff at his favorite coffee shop and then his mentor— Cottingham.
“I’m inspired by what’s happening in the world and my work is a personal journal of my emotions,” Montoya said. “I feel it’s my job as an artist to capture these moments.”
The two artists have been working together at Cottingham’s studio since 2013 and have become great friends.
“A lot of the concepts that we’re implementing in the Art Space have come from my relationship with Robert,” Montoya said. “He has definitely influenced my work unconsciously — through color, through composition and subject matter.”
That collaboration led to a new exhibition, “Robert Cottingham and Duvian Montoya: A Glossary of Painting” on display at the ADK House in Norwalk Sept. 16 through Oct. 21.
“These are two artists in different seasons of their careers, with two very different practices, yet all the same, the connections between the two are undeniable,” said curator Nicole Sansone. “Robert and Duvian are two artists who are so technically skilled and sensitive to light and color that they have an awe-inspiring ability to make their canvases look like photographs. Maybe better!”
The artists’ work shares many of the same elements and likeminded subject matter, which is why those involved knew it would be a great fit in a show together.
“Color is important to both of us,” Cottingham said. “Light and shadow plays a big part in my work, and I know it’s something Duvian focuses on in his work as well.”
Montoya added that it’s the influence of a mentor over eight years that makes the two complement each other so well.
“This is a broad range of subject matter that hasn’t really been seen altogether, but shown in a way that really tells a story about painting,” Montoya said.
“We are two artists who have been working together and this shows the benefit of a mentorship program, which the Norwalk Art Space is all about.”
The exhibit will include about 25 artworks from each artist, spanning both their careers and the mediums of print, watercolors, oil paintings and drawings. An additional three groups of work will provide “behind-thescenes” insights with never-before-seen printing plates.
“This show is Duvian’s vision,” Cottingham said. “I know he selected pieces of mine from a few different series—’Cameras & Typewriter’ paintings, some of my train images, and also some prints. I have complete trust in his choices.”
At the age of 86 and an internationally-known artist, Cottingham hasn’t shown too much in Connecticut even though he’s been living here for more than 30 years.
“This whole space is exciting for anyone with an interest in art,” Cottingham said. “Our show is a chance to learn about two artists at different points in their career. The concept of an artist and their mentor is one that many people can relate to. We’ve all had someone in our lives or we hope to have someone in our life who inspires us; someone who helps to shape who we become in some way.”