Photobucket

an Art Critic is a person who is professionally engaged in the analysis & interpretation of works of art

an Art Movement is a specific art style with a philosophy followed by a group of artists during a restricted period of time

a Critique is an article or essay criticizing a literary or other work; detailed evaluation; review

an Aficionado is a person who likes, knows about & appreciates a particular interest and fervently pursues it

an Escort is a person who under their protection, care, or safeguard accompanies another on a journey, not Berlusconi's definition

26 November 2011

Permission of Entry...

O.k.... it's museum time and we are finally ready! I am waiting for a good health day and off to Rome it shall be. 


20 October 2011

Chianciano: Winners of the 2011 Biennale of Contemporary Art

Reprinted from:
Chianciano NEWS, The news of your provincial city...
September 28, 2011
It is closed Saturday 24 with the awards ceremony of the twelve winners of the second Biennale of Chianciano Terme. The jury, chaired by Jin Cheng Liu and consists of a panel of experts from around the world, has awarded prizes for categories paintings, sculpture, applied arts and drawings. The Biennial, an exhibition of 3000 square meters which was attended by 150 artists from more than fifty countries around the world, is the most important contemporary art event for the Val di Chiana and the second was defined in the Biennial Italy after the celebrated exhibition of Venice.

Greeted with enthusiasm by the public and welcomed by the press and by international criticism, the 2009 edition has been reviewed by none other than New York Times, which devoted an article to the display and "Impressive collection of Mr. Gagliardi accumulated during a thirty-year career. "
The catalog of the 2011 edition has been decided by the same experts who designed the publications held at the Victorian & Albert Museum, the Museum and Lord Leighton at the Chelsea Town Hall in London. The competition was attended by dealers from around the world and emerging national and international artists. The purpose and spirit of the contest is to encourage the exchange of ideas and deepen the mutual understanding between the talent and art experts, fostering the growth of the market between them and the 300 galleries present at the event. In addition to the winners of this year, which was assigned the label "Leonardo", because the event thirty other artists chosen will have the opportunity to exhibit their works in an exhibition scheduled for 2012 at the prestigious gallery Gagliardi Gallery, London. The Biennale of Chianciano Terme has hosted some of the many names for the exhibition of works by the young artist of the moment, Aelita Andre, four year old child prodigy whose paintings are already on display at the gallery in New York, a painting technique that uses very similar the drip painting by Jackson Pollock.
The Art Museum of Chianciano Terme, therefore, has focused on quality and came out the winner.After having planned a week full of events studied in culture in which they are fused love of art and Italian excellence - from the guests' stay at the spa town with tastings of local products like fine wine Chianti - during which artists and scientists have been able to take advantage of the favorable climate to meet and create new partnerships, the Biennale has closed the year with a twist. After having thrown a deeper look at the issues of copyright and personalities leave the University of Oxford, issues addressed during the conference on Wednesday evening and Friday, the Biennale has exceeded his intentions determining precisely during the week of the event the genesis of the artistic movement of Riflessisimo, a new movement whose leaders decided to highlight the negativity in their works, the crisis and the decline in the human soul.
These are the winners of the second edition of the award:
PAINTINGS
Carina Fogde
Romans Paul Nicholls and Juan Carlos Santa Coloma
Noakes and Valeri Queen Beatrice Englert
SCULPTURE
Monica Sandell
Guiraud and Hernan Ilinep
Elizabeth Gavotti and Karel Vreeburg
APPLIED ARTS
Luciano Ianucci
Daniel and Audrey Meyer-Munz Icaza
Erica Schweger Weisz and Cesare Bollini Bonazza
DRAWINGS
Premalatha Seshadri
Maria and Igor Eugen Prokop Gaia Sindomi
String course and Bruno Varini
The Jury
Jin Cheng Liu, President of the Jury
Francesca Owens, Art Criticism
Patrizia Mari, Curator, Journalist and PR of the City of Chianciano
Roberto Gagliardi, the British Union of Journalists
Michael Warren, Artist Commissioned by Margaret Thatcher
Maria Mangiavacchi, Superintendent of Artistic, Historical and Ethno-anthropological of Siena and Grosseto
Paola Fog, Professor of Law, Oxford
Kirsten Hayes, FAO Economist
Jeanine Baumert, European University Institute

11 September 2011

Wet Canvas goes head to head with Your Art Escort!


I made a post a while ago and Greg from Wet Canvas checked in.... The RED is his responses: A little sarcastic I thought....
Hi Greg....
O.k. let's talk.... I am currently looking and writing a piece about the upcoming show and clearly you have an opinion... I am usually willing to hear people out... So can I ask you some open questions that are to educate me and are not loaded questions...

Beyond the Venice Biennale & Chianciano, does Florence have one? 

yes thet do

How many total does Italy have?

try Google for a count, I have not time to do your reseach.

How many total in the world? 
as above

Any statistics?
What's your take on Vittorio Sgarbi?


I don't have an opinion

Vanity by definition is the excessive belief in one's own abilities or attractiveness to others. 
Vanity Galleries and exhibitions are those that make a profit from artists rather than by selling art. Often with false promises of success. 
Do you think they will not achieve something great in time or are they putting on shoes a little too big, too quick? I look forward to hearing from you.

Who are they, the Artists? or the Biennale of Chianciano? The relevant question is who will make a profit from the artists participation? If it was likely to be the artists unfortunate enough to take part, the Biennale could earn their money from the commission on sales and referrals plus the door receipts. Not by charging exhorbitant fees to submit online, and $4-600 just to hang a painting. And don't forget the other costs of shipping, insurance and paying the Biennales handlers to unpack and repack the works.... whiuch hasn't been mentioned.
Why not ask the Biennale how many sales were made from the last exhibition for a measure of the success? 


Ciao from Umbria..



From You Art Escort:
I did my homework and I am impressed... I suggest you do yours...
P.S. I interviewed numerous people internationally to "source" and create this wiki page. How about you, who are your sources? Just you? Apparently you don't even have time to do your own home work... 
www.yourartescort.blogspot.com

02 September 2011

MOMA'S ONLINE MODERN ART HISTORY COURSE


The idea of fun and exciting to learn was what I first thought I would be greeted by upon entering MOMA’s MODERN ART HISTORY course this past summer. Within no time at all, the magnitude of this little online summer course defined itself.

First was the list of class mates… international gallery owners, national museum curators to historians, then there was the chief of India Unesco fellow, to a Sotheby’s Institute Graduate and Auction House Employee, to a NYC Freudian Psychiatrist, to another impressive person to another. 

The registrar’s list made me feel honored to be invited to such a worldly, educated, accomplished group of bohemian educated spirits. That name dropping list alone took a while to come down from that high!

Next it was time to dive into the class work… how hard could that be… 7 outlined pages of learning per week for 10 weeks…. Artist after artist the lives became revealed, historical details, friendship and rivalries where laid out where these artists lives’ timelines crossed and over lapped.
Where the story started slightly slow before the Modern Art Movement, it expanded with such intensity that at times it was impossible to stop watching the videos and reading the materials.  Lack of time became an issue. I found myself staying up till midnight and later watching, learning and absorbing.

The magnitude of my comprehension did not occur till near the end. All the segments and angles and corner and turns… all started winding into one master piece itself. For the already profound debt of knowledge I had about Modern Art History… I started to get it a little bit more, a little clearer and just a little different. Pieces and angle I had not known showed themselves.

It will take much more time than 10 weeks of being immersed in outstanding learning and given private art tours by MOMA researchers, curators and historians, I believe the profound intensity of information will need to be reviewed and re-reviewed by myself for some time to saturate all the open spaces and crevices that have left space to fill in the soul of this learning process.  

If all my prior knowledge had been torn squares of fabric most complete and deep, organized and sorted, memorized and recorded…  my MOMA MODERN ART HISTORY COURSE will be my  hand sewn and embroidered, stitched with authentic antique threads, QUILT OF REVELATIONS.  I will forever refer back in my mind to the priceless and unique, one of a kind quilt, I have completed in this simple little course I have so cherished!

a special invite.... and our little secret


Dear Francesca,

I have enquired about you coming to Chianciano and we have arranged a room for you in a nearby hotel. This will be offered to you by the Museum and is available for the whole week if you are interested. In relation to meals, the staff will mostly be dining together and so you are welcome to join. 

Overall it will be a fun but hectic week and I am sure that we can find something for you to do. I will be in Italy mid next week. The room will be available from the 16th onwards.

See you soon.

Kind regards

Peter

03 July 2011

Biennale of Chianciano Wikipedia Page created by Francesca Owens

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Biennale of Chianciano is an international festival of contemporary art, held every two years (in odd years) in Tuscany, Italy. The 2011 international event will be the host to more than 150 global artists, displaying over 400 works from than 50 different countries, chosen from thousands of hopeful applicants.
New York Times article was quoted as calling the Chianciano Museum of Art the Biennale of Chianciano's host site as'impressive' in an article that described the historical importance of works and the layout of the museum 'intentionally non-linear'.[1]
The Biennale of Chianciano will be held September 17th through the 24th, 2011. The exhibition is open from 10am-12am and 4pm-7pm and admission is free. The Biennale is displayed in just over 3000 square meters (10,000 square feet) and arranged on four floors.
Contents

·        1 Collaborations
·        2 History
·        3 Vision
·        4 Competition Format
·        5 References

Collaborations

European Confederation of Art Critics An important appointment for the Biennale of Chianciano 2011 is the ECAC’s presentation of six awards given by the Confederation.

International Galleries A special incentive to unique international galleries is to mingle and network with these Biennale artists. More than 300 art galleries from around the world are being hosted in 4* hotels in Chianciano to discover and collaborate with new artists. Each artist has the ability to nominate 1 gallery of their choice to be invited.

Chianciano Art Museum The Museum space that normally houses 5 permanent collections (Asian, Contemporary, Design, Engravings and Etchings) becomes temporary relocated to host this Biennale event. In addition, the museum offers educational workshops helping artist grow like, "Copyright: How to Protect your Intellectual Property".

Oxford University Alumni Alumni students present an award to a chosen artist at the Biennale in addition to hosting a workshop, “Oxford University: Great Thinkers, Great Artists, throughout the Centuries".

Gagliardi Gallery Thirty artists are selected from the Biennale and are invited to participate in the Chianciano Biennale of London held at Gagliardi Gallery, one of the oldest and most established 
contemporary art galleries in London.

Cancer Research Charity Auction Auction without reserve raises funds with all of the proceeds being donated to the charity nation chosen by the artists exhibiting in the exhibition.

Artists’ Voice TV Talk Studio The Museum has created a video recording studio in which the artists during the Biennale are able to share and express he thoughts and motivations behind one of his artworks. The Artist expresses his/her way to see the world; giving the opportunity to art lovers and collectors to see what lies behind his work of visual art. It is the beginning of an art archive for the Biennale.

History
After four years of renovation, the 150-year-old building abandoned hotel came to life being converted into the Museum of Art of Chianciano.
The first Biennale was held 13th - 29th of September 2009 and was attended by more than 10,000 guests. The Biennale of Contemporary Art 2009 is a 90 page catalogue of exhibitors.

Vision
The Biennale transform the town of Chianciano into a hub of cultural diversity where artists, curators, gallery owners and art lovers will be able to meet one another, encouraging debate and the exchange of ideas, with events ranging from a charity auction to the “Biennale in Musica” concert.
“Our aim is to create active spectators,” Mr. Gagliardi said. “Art isn’t two-dimensional; it transmits emotion and moves the intellect.” With this goal in mind, the museum is laid out in an intentionally nonlinear format.

Competition Format
Its agenda is to identify internationally emerging artist in three forms of media, painting, drawing, and sculptures with a mix of mediums i.e. canvas, wood, wax, clay etc.
Artists are chosen by the Biennale Selection Committee purely on grounds of skill and talent. The Committee consists of curators and experts who are members of the Art Museum of Chianciano Terme.
Hanging for the exhibition is not done by genre or by artistic movement. Instead it emphasizes that the effect of the individual work is of prime significance.
References
1.    ^ DONATI, JESSICA (September 13, 2009). "An Art Collection Lands in Italy". NY Times. Retrieved 3 July 2011.

02 July 2011

Biennales are in the air, I can feel it! The TOP 15 Countdown!

Susan Kendzulak is an artist and writer based in Asia
Whether you spell it the European way 'biennale' or the American way 'biennial', the meaning is the same: a mega art exhibition which takes place every two years.
The Biennial became an increasingly important international art exhibition, especially during the 1990s and sprouted in numerous cities. The Biennial also helped shift the focus of art from the major art centers to other locations, while aiding the local tourism industry.

In the late 1990s and 2000s, numerous conferences and academic texts explored the importance and relevance of the Biennial as a concept. One such text is the The Biennial Reader anthology.

The Venice Biennale is the granddaddy of them all. Established in 1895, when world's fairs were the trend, the art from various nations were showcased in the Giardini (the Garden), which is host to several national pavilions, each with its own unique history of architectural development.

The huge exhibition has expanded in size throughout the city of Venice, with new pavilions and exhibition sites being added each time. The Venice Biennale takes place from June to November during odd-numbered calendar years.

The São Paulo Biennial in Brazil began in 1951 and takes place during even-numbered years. It is the biggest and oldest biennial in the Americas and it features Brazilian, Latin American and international contemporary art in its curated thematic exhibitions.

documenta in Kassel, Germany is not a biennial, since it is held every 5 years. However, it ranks in prestige and importance with the world's top biennials and triennials.

During its opening preview, arts professionals including artists, curators, museum directors, critics, art dealers, etc. from around the world attend. Established in 1955, documenta is one of the major must-see art exhibitions.

The Biennale of Sydney in Australia was established in 1973, making it the 3rd oldest biennial in the world. From June to September in even-numbered years, the mega exhibition takes place throughout the city of Sydney.

The Havana Biennial in Cuba began in 1984 and is known for showcasing non-western art mainly from Latin American and Caribbean artists.

The Istanbul Biennial in Turkey began in 1987 and takes place in the fall of odd-numbered years. It is one of the most prestigious art exhibitions for international contemporary art. Like many of the other biennials, the art curator is chosen by committee. The curator then develops the concept, theme and list of artists for the exhibition.

Another main feature of biennials is that they are not isolated museum exhibitions, but rather involve the entire city in its make-up, so parts of the biennial exhibition take place in galleries, abandoned factories, public parks, waterfronts, etc. There will also be seminars, workshops, tours, film screenings, etc.

The Lyon Biennial in Lyon, France was founded in 1984 and is held from September to December in odd-numbered years. It is highly regarded for its carefully crafted thematic exhibitions.

The Dak'Art Biennial of Contemporary African Art in Dakar, Senegal began in 1992 and is held in May during even-numbered years. It features contemporary African art.

The Sharjah Biennial takes place in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. Established in 1993 as a local art exhibition, by 2003 the focus changed to make it an international contemporary art biennial.

The Berlin Biennial is located in Berlin, Germany which is one of the biggest and most popular international artist communities in the world. Modeled after the Aperto exhibition in the Venice Biennale, the Berlin Biennial was established in 1998 to promote cutting-edge contemporary art and to reflect the city's importance as a vital art center.

The Shanghai Biennale in China started in 1996 as an exhibition of local artists using traditional Chinese ink-painting techniques. In the year 2000, the seminal exhibition curated by Hou Hanru featured conceptual art, installation art, new media, video and digital art to create an international biennial.

The Yokohama Triennial in Japan, near Tokyo, is a triennial and not a biennial, so it takes place every three years instead of two. It was established in 2001.

The Singapore Biennale is relatively new as it started in 2006. Since its establishment, the city-state's art scene has strengthened and the Biennale has proven to be extremely popular with visitors.

New York's famous Whitney Biennial takes place at the Whitney Museum and showcases the artworks from both emerging and established American-based artists. It is often fondly referred to as the exhibition one loves to hate.

Manifesta, also called the European Biennial of Contemporary art began in 1996 and takes place in a different European non-art center every two years. Manifesta has taken place in Rotterdam, Luxembourg, Ljubljana, Frankfurt, San Sebastian, Trentino-South Tyrol, and Murcia.