By Christina Xan
While there was no First Thursday this month, Jasper and Sound Bites still celebrated the start of another year with an Opening Reception last week for a double feature at the restaurant’s gallery space, showcasing the work of friends and artists Josef Berliner and Wilma King.
Both artists have presented an array of works from intimate portraits of two girls hiding under covers to stunning highlights of prominent celebrities/figures. Berliner and King each have distinct styles they have honed for decades, yet their work effortlessly complements each other through vivid colors and the intersection of the natural world, particularly floral scenes.
Berliner and King alike have pursued art since they were young and have roots in South Carolina, both having attended the University of South Carolina. Berliner has continued to work and create in the state, showing at the Columbia Museum of Art and participating in exhibits with Bullets and Band-Aids and the University of South Carolina Department of Dance Gala. Alongside this, he has pursued work as a deejay, an aural expression of his creativity that is often seen visually. Not just any deejay, Berliner’s work as an award-winning premier nightclub deejay led him to performing at many of the largest and best-known clubs in the Southeast.
King’s horizons are constantly shifting, having lived across 11 states. She spent this time—over 30 years—working as an educator at a multitude of American schools, teaching courses in public relations, communication studies, advertising design, publication design, and photography. Returning to Columbia, she has shown in places and exhibits such as 701 Whaley, the Ernest J. Finney Cultural Center, and MIRCI’s 52 Windows. King has not only participated in numerous art shows but has collaborated on over 13 published papers in her field.
As an artist, Berliner goes by the name “Jobey,” which is how he signs all his work. In his own words: “Jobey is the more outgoing and confident alter ego of Josef Berliner. Behind the mask is a thoughtful, somewhat shy, and introspective artist. Armed with the knowledge that I am not alone in this attribute, I seek…to go behind the surface facade of my subject matter and search for the deeper and often hidden and complex personae beneath.”
King “endeavors to combine her experiences of living in 11 states (including Alaska) with her educational background into a visual storytelling collaboration through her painting. Her pursuit and passion go beyond a daily practice of technique and development. She believes that universality—seeking common ground—is what makes art purposeful.”
Even if patrons missed the opening, they could still embark on this journey with Berliner and King until January 31st when the work comes down. Sound Bites Eatery, located at 1425 Sumter St, is open M-F 10-3 and weekends 11:30-2:30. Stop by to grab a delicious, freshly made bite to eat and see this unforgettable show.