Gallery brings together art, indie-rock

The eclectic tunes of indie-rock band Like Trains and Taxis blended with the graphic design illustrations of Christina Entcheva Saturday to create a medley of diverse interdisciplinary art at Alfa Art Gallery.
Entcheva presented her graphic design work and pencil illustrations at the collaborative exhibition at the gallery, located at 108 Church St. in New Brunswick.
“Alfa Art Gallery’s theme for the show is interdisciplinary artistic work,” said Gallery Assistant Director Galina Kourteva. “We see art and music as art and we try to show the connection between the two — but we don’t try to push [a connection]. We like letting things come together on their own.”
Due to space constraints, the audience could not view her graphic designs as accessibly, Entcheva said.
She said the band asked her to design their posters, t-shirts, and EP cover.
“We ended up going through a lot and went an entirely different direction than we expected,” Entcheva said. “I’d set out to give them something they’d wanted and also wanted to put some of myself in there, too. I like what came out and hope the band does.”
Owen Susman, bass player for Like Trains and Taxis, said art and music could end up inspiring one other.
“Collaborative art seeks to bring all disciplines of art together: writing, dance, performing arts, Susman said. “We don’t isolate art. You can see a picture or read a short story. You can be inspired by a painting.”
Entcheva said her experience with Like Trains and Taxis was an artistic one because she had an open dialogue with the band members and used her creativity.
“It’s good to have some cross-pollination of ideas,” said Chris Harris, the keyboardist of the band. “Like tonight: People can look at Christina’s paintings but can also listen to our music.”
The gallery exhibited the artist’s pencil illustrations that she created in a very different process from her graphic design work, Entcheva said.
“I had resolution journals where I first drew my sketches, and slowly my work became more and more intricate,” she said. “It’s very different, sketch work and graphic design work. In graphic deign you have certain criteria and expectations to fill.”
Entcheva said with sketching, there are no guidelines or criteria.
“It’s me doing things freely and I can explore,” she said.
Rutgers College alumna Susette Chavez said Entcheva’s sketches have a certain sadness and seriousness to them.
“Interdisciplinary art is totally necessary today. Art can spill into freelance work, and with that you should just go with it,” Chavez said. “For her to do this [and graphic design] is surprising. I see Christina almost like a Renaissance woman.”

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