Ancient writing tablets were hinged together to form diptychs. Hinged altar pieces of the early Middle Ages allowed for traveling works of sacred art, a physical focus for faithful followers. Today, hinged or not, two painted panels intended to be viewed simultaneously represent the new diptych.

John M.T. Seitzer has used this duel painting method in the creation of his traditional, naturalistic sea and shore images; subjects include a waterfall, seashores, and periwinkles on a ledge.

Duets hung side by side or one above the other, each enhancing its companion. Two visual voices sing-painted bright color notes with the accompaniment of muted somber hues. Viewed together these paintings support each other to create a harmonious composition.

In a contemporary vein, Seitzer painted a group of nonobjective panels titled “I’ll Love You Forever, X’s and O’s” (kisses and hugs). Kisses: for some, a peck on the cheek; for others, passionate and deep. Hugs: lingering, long and tight while others are brief. I love you, I care.

These panels are hinged in the manner of the “ancient” diptych. One painting called “Do Opposites Attract?” stands over six feet tall. The artist sees the two hinged standing panels as a metaphor for human relationship. Two physically separate individual visual statements standing side by side are connected as “one” complete entity — not unlike a healthy relationship. Each panel mirrors the other however variation is there.

Individuality asserts its own strength.

The dichotomy of colors chosen represent the contradiction of being together yet being separate. One side of the panel is red with contrasting (yet complimentary) green X’s and O’s. Just the opposite is seen on the other side — a green background with red symbols. This could represent two sides, or even opposite sides, of each individual's personality. A shared love (kisses and hugs) are present on both sides.

In this diptych, as a three dimensional painting, one panel stands perpendicular to the other allowing a glimpse of the front while viewing the back. As metaphor: One side of our personality might hide a contradictory view of who we are in relationship to the other.

Seitzer's new show, “Diptychs, Duets and Dichotomies,” is the featured artist, and artist collective member of Studio 53, this month.

Alan Braley

Studio 53's featured guest artist is Alan Braley. Braley describes his show entitled, “Mending Fences,” as a series of images based on looking for new tools to create art.

Braley has been summering in Maine for decades. He and his wife, Claire Southerlin, recently retired after being gallery owners in Washington D.C. They returned summer after summer to a favorite place in East Boothbay at Paradise Point. As in life — his work is ever evolving.

The new work currently on view at Studio 53 is rich, textural and very evocative of Maine. Seagulls, fishing shacks and fishermen in dimensional square formats. The colors are rich and the use of wood, paint and collage come together revealing very interesting and engaging compositions. All of which are square.

Braley noted artist Robert Rauschenberg’s art “has always been one of thoughtful inclusion.”

“Back in the late 1940s and early 1950s, Rauschenberg was always looking for new tools to make art. For the last few years I have made art using old wood, collage, paint, stains, drywall, paper, metal and found objects,” Braley said. “After many years as a painter, finding different tools presented a direct challenge for me. The old wood from my fence gave me a new direction and opened up a new dialogue between mediums. These works established an ongoing dialogue between mediums.”

Look for new works by the Artist Collective: Bob McKay, Paula Ragsdale, Cilla Alden, Donna Denniston, Lynne Seitzer and Dick Alden.

An open house/artist reception will be held on Friday, Aug. 7 from 5-8 p.m. at Studio 53. The gallery is located at 53 Townsend Avenue in Boothbay Harbor. This exhibition will be displayed through late Aug.

For more information, call Studio 53 at 207-633-2755. Parking in back near the sculpture garden.