Fitzwilliam College to host the first solo exhibition from the ‘brilliant young’ artist Beka Smith.

An exhibition in two halves, Beka’s paintings are a study of different aspects of self-perception.

Whilst the ‘Ego’ portraits point towards a more traditional approach, the ‘Alter ego’ theme reveals a whole other dimension to her portraiture, which is not only contemporary but also intensely colourful and highly perceptive.

The portraits demonstrate the artist‘s unique ability to produce work suited to any personality, whether professor or carnival dancer.

Beka Smith said: “I had a revelation. I have always been interested in character illustration, costume and the whole experience of masquerade. For me, the ‘Ego’ is the self and the 'Alter ego' is a character portrayal that is conjured from the imagination.”

The exhibition is open to members of the public from 12 noon -7pm, Tuesday to Saturday from 20 October – 30 October 2009.

In 2005 Beka was commissioned by Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge, to undertake a pencil sketch of Dr Charles Leslie Wayper, the distinguished historian and Life Fellow of Fitzwilliam.

From this sketch a full portrait was undertaken, which was exhibited in the BP Portrait Awards in the National Portrait Gallery, London, the Aberdeen Arts Gallery and the Bristol Academy of Arts, attaining third place in 'The People’s Choice'.

Due to this painting’s success, she was commissioned to undertake a portrait of the current Master of Fitzwilliam College, Professor Robert Lethbridge, and to hold a solo exhibition of her work.

The exhibition will be held at Fitzwilliam College in the auditorium foyer, Storey’s Way, Cambridge, CB3 0DG.

For further information, contact Beka on 07941628641 or email enquiries@bekasmith.com

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