Biennale blog.
Wednesday 3 December - Wednesday 17 December.
The Arrival of the Paintings, Hanging and Opening of the Exhibition, Events, Finale and Gala Dinner
and Shipping of Paintings back to UK.
Wednesday 3 December
Awaiting the Arrival of Paintings - Allocation of Space.
Arte Studio were the organisers of this Exhibition which took place in Florence, Italy, in the spacious premises of the ancient Fortezza da Basso. 800 painters, sculptors and photographers from 40 nations were participating. I arrived at the Fortezza early in the morning and it was interesting to note that only 3 artists were waiting to enter the large oak doors. 2 of us representing the UK and an American sculptor Brian. The Italian organisers only arrived around 2 hours later. This trend continued throughout the exhibition.
I went in search of my crated paintings and then into the 3 large halls in search of my hanging space. Space for 3 pieces were allocated per artist however I was extremely fortunate in that my given space was large enough for 5 paintings. The early bird catches the worm?
By the afternoon hundreds of artists, sculptors and photographers were arriving from all over the world. It was fascinating; works were being unwrapped and settling into place. There were some frantic scenes as pieces were found damaged, lost, misplaced. The atmosphere was electric with artistic temperament, organised chaos, and excitement. All paintings and exhibits needed to be up by 17.00 on Saturday 6 December. The opening Ceremony was to be opened by the Organisers and their Sponsors.
Thursday 4 December.
Preparation day.
Having arranged with the hanging committee where my paintings would hang, I spent the morning sightseeing my immediate surroundings. I started with a walking tour of Santa Maria del Fiori and the Campanile, Battistero.
Climbing to the top of the Duomo I viewed the magnificence of Florence from the very platform on the dome. Amazingly my hotel, Machiavelli was only a ten minute walk from all the most sought after sights in Florence. Before making my way back to the Fortezza I walked to Piazza San Lorenzo and Medici Parish Church. I was totally impressed by the art and architecture in ordinary streets. Exhibition Preparation continued late into the afternoon.
In the evening I went to see my favourite Opera, Rigoletto - 20.00. At The Teatro Comunale A wonderful Opera with incredibly contemporary stage design. Guiseppe Verdi :composer. Fabio Luisi : conductor. Graham Vick : director.
Friday 5 December and Saturday 6 December
Preparation and hanging of my paintings.
The hanging committee was overwhelmed by demand and as a result by the end of the day many hundreds of pieces were yet to be put up. Those who hung their own paintings were the winners. Frantic preparations continued on Saturday readying the 3 halls for the opening at 5.00pm.
My paintings were still in the process of being hung as the ceremony began!
Many pieces of work were not up in time yet awards for the Vatican Museums and the Ferrari stands were being presented. The Inauguration Concert, canapes and wine began at 19:00. Entertained by Anna Ugolini, soprano, Alessandro Pegoraro tenor , Pietro Masi a baritone - all conducted by the concert master Angela Baroncelli. The mood for the Biennale was set, it was to be an International event of the highest standards.
Sunday 7 December
Daily routine throughout the entire Biennale.
Every morning I made a point of seeing something which would reinforce a memory of Florence. A famous landmark, painting, statue or building. This Sunday it was Mass at Piazza San Lorenzo, a Catholic Medici Parish Church filled with precious works of art. Praising God was more interesting than ever before.
I practiced speaking Italian wherever I went even during mass.
Throughout the day we exhibitors were entertained with digital projections, lectures, music, art and song. Not to mention the pleasure of conversation with hundreds of artists, sculptors and photographers all with their work on show. This day we were treated to a Piano Solos and Piano Flute duets.
This was the daily routine throughout the entire Biennale all ending around 20.00 every evening - fabulous.
Wednesday 10 December - Saturday 13 December daytime
Highlights of the following days.
Fiesole Visit and Michaelangelo's David.
Train to Fiesole and visited architectural mantelpieces such as The Church of Santa Croce, where I was amazed by Gaddi and Giotto frescoes.
In central Florence at Galleria dell'Accademia - Michaelangelo's David.
A day one could only experience in Florence.
Critique during the exhibition.
A critique of my paintings by Matty Rocca International Art Critic from Brazil. Matty Rocca is a Member of the International Art Critics Association. A.I.C.A.
Reviewed during the Exhibition.
My paintings were reviewed by Professor John Spike. Historian and Art Critic and also the
Director of the Florence Biennale.
. David Hockney - tempted by our chianti and Italian antipasti!
British Artist David Hockney presented a talk on Renaissance Artists and Optical instruments. Born in 1937 and trained as a painter, for which he became world renowned, he turned to photography in 1981. He has since produced work in every
medium, painting, drawing, stage design and printmaking.
Our Fortezza Exhibition Table Lunch - Robust Chianti with Italian salami and cheeses kept us going throughout the day! Tempted even David Hockney to share wine and conversations, making new acquaintances and friends.
The Award Ceremony.
A Panel of Judges made the final award selection and presented the prizes.
Professor Pasquale Celona - Director of Biennale. Professor Piero Celona.
Public Relations: Professor John Spike - Director, Art Critic and Historian. Professor Barbara Rose - Art Critic and Historian. New York. Dr. Stefano Francolini - Art Historian. Florence. Professor Matty Rocca - Critic and Art Historian. Mexico. Art Professor Teresa Coca Ortega. Spain. Dr Veronika Birke - Company Director and finally from Austria. Mr David Ruben - Curator. Orleans.
Winners - New Media : 1st Sook Lee Ke. USA.
2nd Yusuf Arakkal. India. 3rd Carol Coates. USA.
Winners - Painting : 1st Rossella Vasta. Italy.
2nd Henry Schoebel. USA. 3rd Carlos Cardenas. Mexico.
Winners - Sculpture : 1st Benes Brzezinski. USA.
2nd Morgana Ghini. Italy and Tom Durham. USA.
3rd Enrique Arau. Argentina and Randolph Thompson. USA.
Winner - Antoine Abugaber Canada.
Saturday 13 December .
A Farewell Finale to Biennale, Friends, Sightseeing in Florence.
Presentations, awards and Gala Dinner and Concert. Gala - Dinner and Concert 20.00.
A stunning event set within the Fortezza's impressive hall. Tables groaning with silverware, cut glass and Italian wine greeted those ready for a great evening.
Once again Angela Baroncelli the concert master put on an operatic concert with singers from the local conservatory.
Gala Dinner - Menu. Lasagne al Forno. Crespelle con Ricotta, Spinaci e Prosciutto
Bacconcini di Vitello al Marengo. Cosciotto de Maiale alla Medici. Pataina in ghiotta, Fagioli al fiasco. Tiramisu. Caffe.
Sunday 14 December
Dismantling of exhibition with Savino del Bene taking down. collecting and shipping my paintings back to England.
From 10:00 to 13:30 – Digital Projections on screen of works, events and occasions which had occurred during the Biennale. Farewell to many wonderful fellow artists met during the exhibition.
After all the paintings were collected by Savino del Bene it was time to spend the last few days in Florence indulging myself in seeing as many of the famous art works, statues, paintings, buildings and well known places that I could. So as a beginning I chose to stroll down to the River Arno and spent the entire afternoon there. In the evening onto Cocktails at The Hilton on the Piazza della Republica with new friends. A chance hearing of a Classical Music and Choral Event at a 15th Century Church just off the Piazza San Lorenzo. Dinner - Piazza San Lorenzo. Ristorante Za Za.
Verdict - An experience not to be missed.
Biennale Internazionale dell'Arte Contemporanea was an international cultural event which provided the opportunity for an exchange of experiences, and a forum where professional artists were able to meet other artists art critics, gallery representatives, art connoisseurs and the general public. Invited to participate in 2005. 2007. 2009.
Subsequent Biennale Exhibitions.
Florence Ponte Vecchio.
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