The Katy Contemporary Arts Museum will host the work of two Hispanic artists beginning Nov. 7 in an exhibition called "Primitive or is it?"

The show, which features the expressive abstract work of Ibsen Espada and John Irizarry, will be the first exhibit of paintings at the museum.

"I wanted one up-and-coming artist and one that is already widely collected and respected," said Ana Villaronga-Roman, the museum's director and curator.

Houston-based Espada is considered one of the nation's top Hispanic artists. His career spans more than 30 years, and his works are on display in the permanent collections of five museums, including the Museum of Fine Arts Houston.

"I think that the very first show with paintings we already have somebody of his caliber showing in our museum says a lot," Villaronga-Roman said.

kcam plans to purchase two of Espada's works for its permanent collection, she said.

Irizarry is an up-and-coming Dallas-based artist who has been painting for seven years. He is self-taught and this is his first museum showing.

"These paintings are dramatic like his personality," Villaronga-Roman said. "These works are all recent and show a maturing artist arriving into his comfort zone."

The exhibit will be on display until Jan. 7. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.katycam.com.