Berc Ketchian

Berc conveys the emotional power of his experiences through the romantic vision of his paintings. A special aura is created with a masterful play of light and canvas. The mood in his paintings is set by light illuminating canvasses that burst with people talking, laughing, singing, drinking, and relaxing. We feel the warmth of the night, the gentle breeze from the sea, the heavy scent of coffee or flowers in the air. Within these inviting settings, Berc paints fascinating character studies. The faces, indeed the entire figures, of his men and women capture a range of emotions. Berc’s compositions are strong and direct, the result of endless studies and sketches. Each painting is highly personal and reveals Berc’s understanding and love of people. The portraits offer a glimpse into peoples’ souls and invite the viewer to create biographies. While the paintings may seem simple and straight forward, the viewer who gives them more than a superficial look is rewarded with an appreciation of human needs and emotions. A careful look reveals that in spite of the relaxed bohemian settings, the cares and the worries of life are not completely forgotten. It is a part of Berc’s brilliance that he captures these complexities for his audience. In the midst of a crowd, we feel isolation and loneliness, friendship and sympathy, reflection and thoughtfulness, sensuality and excitement, anticipation and sorrow. Berc is never merely a dispassionate observer. His connections and emotions are obvious and account in no small way for the success of his paintings. Is Berc soon to occupy an empty chair in one of his paintings? Steven Demas, Director, Bon a Tirer Gallery.