No Photos of the Art Please

Bill Ipsan Work at Santo Domingo, La Antigua Guatemala

The warning came from behind: “Please, we’re really not supposed to be taking photos of the art here.” I had just snapped this picture when I spun around to see who was trying to tell ME not to take photos. 😉

“Hi, I’m Bill Ipsan and I’d prefer if the artwork was not photographed.” Ah, the artist. Little did he know that I was taking photos for my new project ArteAntigua.com – an effort to round up all the fun, crazy things happening with art here in Antigua and post information about it in one central website. But, I just shrugged and said “Okay…“ I had already captured some good shots and I knew that the one I just took was the “it” photo that I would end up taking at the exhibit anyway. It was too spontaneously perfect.

“So what do you do?” Ipsan warmly inquired. He obviously didn’t want to come across as an artist prick because it was obvious that’s not who he was… and I can certainly understand an artist protecting his art.

“I’m a journalist,” I confidently shot back.

“Oh well! If it’s for journalism feel free to take as many photos as you want!” It looks like Billy was a fan of promoting his work. 😉 Jejejeje. The spoils of being a journalist! There are times I’ve marched right into backstage declaring: “Journalist!” Works most of the time.

Anyway, Ipsan was an “absolute charmer,” as my painter friend Geovany Flores put it. I’d have to agree. Ipsan is super “amable.” I explained my new project to him and he quickly offered to get together for a proper interview. Ipsan’s work is being displayed in Hotel Casa Santo Domingo and the artist will be here for about another month. You can learn more through my interview with him on ArteAntigua.com.

text and photo by Laura McNamara

© 2009 – 2020, Laura McNamara. All rights reserved.

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