Two Artists, Two Canvases, One Unbreakable Bond at the Columbus Art Expo
by Eason Brohee
Every year, Christopher Columbus High School’s Art Expo provides students with the opportunity to showcase the work they have created throughout the school year. For seniors Ezequiel Bartra and Blake Borroto, last year’s expo became more than a final assignment; it became a way to commemorate their time together in the art studio and leave behind a representation of the friendship they developed at Columbus.
“It’s something that we decided to do to also represent ourselves," said Blake Borroto.
The final project involved a split water buffalo painting, with each student creating one half in their own artistic style. The two canvases were then combined to form a single piece. The concept was straightforward: to create something that represented their individual identities while also showcasing their collaborative growth.
“It’s our last project in this art class in our history at Columbus; we wanted to go out with a bang," said Borroto.
They described collaborating creatively and using art as an escape from the outside world. Their relationship has developed in a unique space of paint, sweat, and a year of dedication. The water buffalo serves as a physical representation of their growing bond. This connection became an integral part of the painting, transforming two separate canvases into one final memory of their time in the studio.
“We both have, like, this escape from the rest of the world,” said Ezequiel Bartra.
The teacher, Mr. Gomez, played a significant role in the students' artistic journey. He observed their individual styles as well as their collaborative efforts. The students described the process as starting with brainstorming ideas and incorporating Mr. Gomez's feedback before ultimately deciding on the water buffalo theme. They chose to use the two largest canvases available in class and combined them to create a centerpiece that stood out in the gallery.
“I think it’s a great piece, one of the best pieces in the gallery," said Gabriel Gomez.
For Ezequiel and Blake, the Art Expo marked the end of a chapter, but the painting provided them with something to carry forward. They discussed their families and futures while working on the project, making the finished piece a reminder of more than just their time in art class.
The water buffalo now serves as a snapshot of their years at Columbus—two artists, two styles, and one friendship captured in a single final piece.
“Once we’re painting, it’s just like he said: time flies," said Bartra.
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