In portraiture, the relationship between artist and subject changes everything. In Subjective, everything is relative. Portland artists Becca Bernstein and Gwenn Seemel have joined in a blind collaboration to show how portraiture is more than simply imitation. In their newest exhibit, Subjective, their genre is presented as a living process that is personal to each artist. The paintings are a tangible result of the relationship between the subject and the artist. Bernstein and Seemel have painted themselves and each other, as well as their parents, partners, and other relations. Subjective consists of two views each of ten subjects: twenty paintings of loved ones immortalized once by a stranger and once by their kin. While portraiture is perhaps one of the most traditional art forms, Bernstein and Seemel’s concept and methods are intended for a contemporary audience who expect more than just a pretty face from art. Dr. Richard Brilliant, the widely published scholar and art historical authority on portraiture, is contributing the introductory essay for the upcoming exhibition catalog which will come out in March. The January exhibit at North View Gallery launches the 2010-2011 tour of Subjective to art centers throughout the Northwest. Exhibition: Subjective, a blind collaboration between Becca Bernstein and Gwenn Seemel. First show: North View Gallery, Portland Community College Sylvania Campus, 12000 SW 49th Avenue, Portland, OR 97219. Open: 7 January through 5 February 2010. Hours: Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Reception: 13 January 2010, 12:30 to 2:30 pm. Touring: The show will travel to Corvallis in March and to Bend in April. Book launch: 5 March 2010 at the Corvallis Arts Center. Contact: North View Gallery at 503.977.4264, www.pcc.edu/about/galleries/sylvania; Corvallis Arts Center at 541.754.1551; Becca Bernstein at 503.724.6253, beccabernstein@yahoo.com, www.beccabernstein.net; Gwenn Seemel at 503.784.9248, gwenn.seemel@gmail.com, www.onefaceatatime.com.