State-of-the-Arts Gallery is brimming with Italian culture for an Italian group exhibition ‘Stillness’, featuring 5 renowned artists with one style in common: Realism. The techniques and composition of still life definitely ponders the imperishable influence of Italian Art on this generation and those to come. Collaborating with De Dominicis Agency and under ‘Quality & Lifestyle Festival’ of the Italian Chamber of Commerce Hong Kong with pleasure, the exhibition will run from 25 June – 31 July, 2012.
Still life is the depiction of mostly inanimate subject matter which might be either natural or manmade. Originated from Ancient Greek/Roman Arts in the Middle Ages, still life paintings is distinctive in the sense that more leeway is allowed in the composition and arrangement of elements than paintings of other types. In times of bombardment with images from print and multimedia and the general fast culture, to slow down and focus on a image, be it the shininess of fruits or the vein of a wooden cigarette case, is almost against our conditioning. State-of-the-Arts Gallery envisions the significance of Realism in this day and age for the pure appreciation of life itself. Accordingly, some finest pieces of still life painters who contemplate each object and profoundly search for its visual dynamic between art and life are cordially selected. The overtones embedded and modern metaphysical art alluded demonstrate a contemporary re-interpretation of Roman traditional still life.
Artists in this exhibition continue the artistic ferment and revolution of the 20th century, with a tinge of Italian fineness and splendor. Enrico Gaurino depicts daily subject matter with very specific consideration of light and shadow and encompasses elements of Pop art. Marika Fasoli emphasizes the explosion of colour, originality of compositions and strong contrasts. These contribute to the gesture of the paintings, no matter how simple the subject matter might be. Marco Picci adopts watercolour because of its transparency and naturalness, at the same time putting meticulous effort on details and contrasts. On the other hand, Constanzza Papasogli paints in harmony. Often in a dim context, the dehumanized elements are full of an inexplicable but irresistible emotion. Similarly, the dark and empty background of Maurizio Meldolesi’s work mirrors the undisturbed intrinsic essence of the subject without time frame or locational boundary.
The Opening Reception will be held on 29June 2012 at State-of-the-Arts Gallery. An art talk about Italian Art will be given.
