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

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.

A 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]

Robert Scott of the Anglo-Italian Academy of Art has been quoted saying its "The Second most important curated Biennale after Venice".

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.”

“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.

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

Susan Kendzulak is an artist and writer based in Asia

Susan's TOP 15 International Art Biennales:

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.

1. The Venice Biennale

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.

2. São Paulo Biennial

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.

3. documenta

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.

4. Biennale of Sydney

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.

5. Havana Biennial

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

6. Istanbul Biennial

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.

7. Lyon Biennial

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.

8. Dak'Art

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.

9. Sharjah Biennial

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.

10. Berlin 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.

11. Shanghai Biennale

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.

12. Yokohama Triennial

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.

13. Singapore Biennale

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.

14. Whitney Biennial

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.

15. Manifesta

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. 

Beauty is in the carrot of the beholder... DEFECTS by Tim Symth

When visiting a packaging factory in Yorkshire England, Smyth watched the conveyer belt arm drop down and whisk away odd carrots. They were pushed aside and discarded. As the process continued he wondered, who defined which carrots were “beautiful enough” to be merchandised for sale and which of them became destined for pig feed!

Obiettivo Charleston

www.scarfiotti.com 

www.scarfiotti.com

www.scarfiotti.com 

www.scarfiotti.com

What:   40 plus photographs on exhibit

Who:   Bill Struhs, Gian Luigi Scarfiotti, John Brewton and Jack Alterman

Where: Via Visiale 1, Spoleto (historical center near Piazza Mercato)

When:  24 June through 10 July 2011

Three Americans and one Italian have 4 things in common; they are all men, photographers, exhibiters of their works and in one way or another involved with the Festival dei 2 Mondi, here in Spoleto Italy and Charleston South Carolina, USA.

During our Spoleto Italy’s festival right now, some 40 plus black and white, sepia toned and colorfully rich works are being shown. The intent was to introduce to Spoleto Italy to what her sister city looks like. These photographs span from Charleston’s historical southern architecture to its nature, wildlife, swamp and boating areas.

Gian Luigi Scarfiotti, the international artist photographer, I had the opportunity meet, got to know Charleston’s charm through a different means than being born, raised, or schooled there like the other three.

Gain Luigi took one of Charleston’s lovely ladies for his bride, not just being charmed the city’s beauty but through the striking beauty of his life, his lovely American wife, Terry. Interesting enough, he then exported her back to Italy where they both live in Tuscany.

The images that spoke to me were the wildlife. Being a global wild tiger advocate with WWF and art, the images of these osprey nests, egrets nesting with eggs and fishing boats drew me in. There are sunsets to 

Charleston’s festival performances.

The works amongst the four photographers are diverse but thoroughly allowing us here in our “little old Spoleto Italy” to so see their culture from afar.

The relationship between Spoleto and Charleston started in the late seventies and is now starting a new.

Since Gian Carlo Menotti’s death, the relationship between these two sister cities has been sabotaged by the Menotti family heirs to either maintain power and control over or destroy festival’s relationship between the 2 countries. Spoleto 

Italy‘s commune and volunteers of the festival have been worked diligently to repair and mend these severed ties.

The Italian saying, “All the worlds a country” rings true in this struggle to repair this global relationship. Damage was achieved to separate these two artistic forces but these four artists are doing their share to help rebuild the ties that remain.

The official recommendation and worldly advice from Frankly Francesca's www.YOURARTESCORT.Blogspot.com says lets repeat and expand this global opportunity of sharing images of these two sister cities, continuing this effort that these 4 photographers started in an annual event between Spoleto and Charleston. Next round we need some Spoleto Italy photos in Charleston. 

BRAVI, BRAVI, BRAVI!

  

The determination to move forward while looking back…

What:  20 portrait photographs

Where: Café Letteraio-Palazzo Mauri Spoleto

Who:   Virgilio Massani

When:  Now through July 15, 2011

Little by little in these past 4 years I’ve had the opportunity to get to know Virgilio Massani.  I would see a man swaying in a restricted but precise gait through Piazza Liberta’, one hand clutching a portfolio and the other a cane to balance his stride. His goal was clear… to arrive… his determination was clear, to arrive at Bar Canasta where his external office for private portfolio viewings could begin. This is how we first met by the chance the first time to do a visual history re-pass.

His signature style is black and white, MOMENTS OF THE PAST. The majority of his portfolio revolves around the Festival dei 2 Mondi, Spoleto’s international art explosion.

Virgilio was born in Terni, 7 April 1937. His parents arrived in Spoleto when he was 14. He grew in up in this small village or (my village as I call it) between two worlds, the world of Spoletini Umbrian culture and the world of the international artistic guests arriving each summer.

In his early twenties, a friend lent him his camera. Within these moments of snapping the camera’s buttons a new found love was found, photography. Off he went to buy his first camera, a PENTAX. That was nearly fifty years ago.

From that moment on, images no longer needed to be recorded and filed mentally as his Pentax became his external memory. He has a room dedicated to his some 40,000 images there.

One of his earliest memories was being struck by the beauty of a young beautiful Spoletina girl dressed simply in mini dress. The image so penetrated his mind, he asked her if her could photograph her, and she agreed. This ignited a passion of a life time. For the last 30 years he has been published and exhibiting throughout Europe in art shows, magazines and journals, not to forget his favorite model being Bridget Bardot.

He is now 75 and a bit wiser after experiencing a stroke 4 years ago and currently suffering from Parkinson’s disease. We learned that we both had experienced strokes and both suffered from incurable diseases that wreak havoc on our immune, neurological, and our bodies' failure to comply with our mind’s wishes. We share in common experimental drugs from the USA to relive our symptoms and help us moves forward. It seemed a simple thing to deepen our appreciation and respect for one another…

What I saw in this brief interview is what I have gotten to know about Virgilio and his aficionado for photography, a sheer determination…. a determination to move forward (despite his significant physical restrictions) while ensuring the past is told, told and told again. 

He is a visual historian documenting transient glimpses from the past where two worlds converged into one, Spoleto, Italy.

This photo exhibition is well worthy of a visit with some time to reflect, to look back at half a century’s glamorous past lives, with likes of Morgan Freedman, Ellen Stewart, a.k.a La MaMa and other famous musicians and performers amongst the 20 simple but striking works.