Blue Belle at Uber House

A new Sag Harbor art gallery, which is as unusual and fascinating as its name, is celebrating the power and beauty of women.

Uber House, located at 80 Main Street in the former Punch store, opened last June as a creative art studio that houses the work of owner/artist Lanka Dupont of Sag Harbor, as well as other artists.

Dupont, originally from Mallorca, Spain, explained that "Uber" derives from a German word for "extreme" or "super," and "House" is used in the context of the world.

"I would describe this as more of a creative studio than a gallery, because I also do all my own work there," said Dupont. "The type of art I do is three-dimensional, functional art, which encompasses my photography and painting on mirrors and metal."

Since she opened, she has had three shows and is about to have her fourth. Her current show, which is called "Art of Being Woman," was intended to bring forth and recognize the "true woman."

"I believe today's society is so competitive and demanding that we don't pay attention to our women," Dupont explained. "Wars have been fought over women, but women don't recognize and own this incredible power they have."

She said the most important thing women can do is take control of their own lives, homes and children. "Women have such power and beauty, but many times they don't even see it, so by my photographs and art I want to capture and show this to the public," she explained.

The "Art of Being Woman," which started October 18, includes numerous black and white, nude photographs of women, as a collaboration between Dupont and fellow photographer Anthony Lombardo of New York. He shot the photos while Dupont created and choreographed the show. She also incorporated floor pieces of photography into this show, some of pregnant women, which she feels is "the ultimate art of creating."

Her next show, "Blue Belle," which opens on November 24, is a continuation of the "Art of Being Woman" show, and she describes both as being "very strong and controversial."

"My shows are conceptual - portraying the way women are perceived, through the art, which is cutting edge," she said, adding that "Blue Belle" is an "entity" or a "character" that everyone must see, because it is art presented that represents all women.

"I should also point out that men love the ongoing 'woman' show, because it represents the real beauty of all women," Dupont said. "Men have this vision that women are soft, beautiful and strong. I'm presenting this but also emphasizing women's inner power. Some people are offended by this show, while others adore it, but it doesn't matter because it evokes strong emotion, which art should do. I'm making a statement, and it wakes you up."

Dupont explained that she wants to bring forth a harmony in her art, "because if our entire society was truly happy and in harmony with their own lives, what would our world be like?" She said we need to start at home, by cleaning up our house, which can also represent the body and the self.

"Through these woman shows, I'm trying to get people to own and appreciate their true value and to understand that we train people how to treat us in certain ways," she said.

The photographs are displayed on the walls of a large room, which you walk up to an upper level. There is also a private viewing level with more risqué art on display to "bring forth emotion and a bit of a shock, but in good taste," according to Dupont, who is Eurasian, growing up between America, Europe and Asia.

Because of her international awareness and concern, she has created a grant-giving foundation at Uber House, to help the needs of the world. "My biggest concerns are finding water for people and helping to educate children," she said. "We will be giving themed costume party benefits where you become your own art, and we'll give almost 100% to these causes."

Uber House is open year-round every day except Tuesday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, call 631-725-0909.

- Debbie Tuma

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