Artist_Paul McCarthy

Complex Shit

Paul McCarthy, the L.A. based American artist, has a career that spans the last 40 years and is one of the most controversial and fascinating artists of contemporary art. He’s widely known for his early performances involved with Barbie dolls and Vaseline. 

Currently he is making giant inflatable sculptures and exhibiting them worldwide. This piece, titled Complex Shit, was displayed over in Switzerland. One of the pieces of shit was picked up by the wind and eventually brought down a power line, broke a window, and ended up in the yard of a children’s home. 

“Giant dog turd wreaks havoc at Swiss museum

Inflatable artwork blown from moorings and brings down power line”

 The Guardian

To put it into perspective, the pieces of shit were each respectively, the size of a house.  Now that’s some complex shit.

Pig Island, his latest work organized by  Fondazione Nicola Trussardi, Milano (www.fondazionenicolatrussardi.com)

Wax people queuing

McCarthy has transformed famous people such as Angelina Jolie, Liz Taylor, Elizabeth II, presidents, dancers, Santa Clauses into grotesque figures.

 His aim is to go to extremes with the  clichés of a moralist American culture, combining glamour with the “dark side” of the American Dream. He shocks and amuses people with the famous combination: politics and sex.

However, many people critique this type of work for example: 

How Far Is Too Far?   Contemporary artists have made work depicting graphic sexual acts, damaging property, injuring their own bodies, or paying others to alter theirs. But when does art cross the line from avant-garde to unacceptable? by Phoebe Hoban

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

wttp://www.google.it/imgres?imgurl=http://www.artnews.com/assets/images/articles/article-2522.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.artnews.com/issues/article.asp%3Fart_id%3D2522&usg=__PxsFXhEdDWZniPI_NEjWlFDXLxw=&h=432&w=288&sz=86&hl=it&start=4&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=3buGYItyUfeAXM:&tbnh=126&tbnw=84&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dpaul%2Bmccarthy%2Bpig%2Bisland%26um%3D1%26hl%3Dit%26sa%3DG%26rlz%3D1T4SNYK_itIT347IT347%26tbs%3Disch:1

Artist_Giovanni Frangi

serigrafia materica di 12 passi

The Milanese artist Giovanni Frangi, utilizes colour as an emotional presence.

He is inspired by nature and transforms forests, lakes and leaves into places of the spirit, where the murmur of light breezes, the pelting of rain, thunderous sound of a waterfall are transformed into the soul’s yearning.

 

Artist_Aron Demetz

Now, this is a new artist for me and I would like to explore his works for you (whoever you are???!!)

Wood for Aron Demetz is what marble was for Canova (for example Le Tre Grazie) : natural, a friend and a beginning point (but also an arrival point) for his whole life. Get it?

  Wow!

Contemporary art is now about video, installations and performance. Forget it, Aron is about chisels, punches and  files: all tools for wood sculpture. He talks about people (like Valerio Berruti does), only using tree trunks, resins and chunks of wood.

Aron lives in Val Gardena, in the Italian Alps and one of my fav places, where forests and mountains condition your every movement. Kids playgrounds and toys, kitchen tools, the sculptures in the little villages: everything is made of wood. So for him, it was a natural choice to use wood as his medium.

He takes a trunk of wood, brings it into the studio, makes a sketch  and turns on the chainsaw (this is not a chainsaw massacre, but a chainsaw creation!). Once he gets the volume that he likes, he redefines it with an axe and then with hot scalpels.

Compare this to Michelangelo Pistoletto, who takes a block of wood, slices an angle from it and adds mirrors.

Log, 1999

The magic from a block of wood! The “Michelangelo” of wood sculpture, for as you know, Michi knew that the figure was inside the marble and had to be sculpted out from the true form that was inside.

Aron does this with his sculptures: they cry to be released from their natural state.

www.arondemetz.it/ 

Well worth a visit.

image of Pistoletto courtesy of http://www.google.it/imgres?imgurl=http://www.artseensoho.com/Art/PROTETCH/pistoletto99/pGIFS/p4.jpeg&imgrefurl=http://www.artseensoho.com/Art/PROTETCH/pistoletto99/p4.html&usg=__yIik2_1v6DCsFkk_HpsXc2IWRtw=&h=250&w=580&sz=30&hl=it&start=189&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=HjmyRTuPZIryeM:&tbnh=58&tbnw=134&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dmichelangelo%2Bpistoletto%26start%3D180%26um%3D1%26hl%3Dit%26sa%3DN%26rlz%3D1T4SNYK_itIT347IT347%26ndsp%3D20%26tbs%3Disch:1

1 Functions of Art _Canaletto (Antonio Canal)

Function – telling a story of where we live, artistic expression of time and place

(b.1697–d.1768)  Venetian born, Canaletto studied with his father, Bernardo Canal, a theatrical scene painter.  He studied in Rome, and painted throughout Europe

In Venice, he painted the Venetian scenes he’s best known for:  far-off vistas, detailed scenes of daily life in Venice, architectural accuracy, broad views, rich colors.  Some of his most famous works are:  

View of the Grand Canal

Regatta on the Grand Canal, National Galleries

 The regatta was an annual carnival event in Venice from the 14th century onwards, and continues to this day. While regattas were sometimes held in honour of distinguished visitors, the regatta in the painting appears to be the annual carnival event. The pavilion at the left is a temporary structure from which the prizes were presented. It bears the arms of the Doge Alvise Pisani, who ruled from 1735 to 1741.

Grand Canal Venice with Church of Santa Maria della Salute

View of Venice, Uffizzi Gallery, Florence

MAXXI – museo delle arti del xxi secolo, roma

MAXXI

Finally a new museum in Italy! One that is needed in this country of museums, but a NEW MUSEUM of New culture  in a city of antiquities and museums every corner you turn. Instead of looking to the past, which they often do in Italy, its time to look to now and the future! Ecco the Maxxi Museum of the 21st century!

Two museums (one for art, one for aruchitecture), an auditorium, a library, a coffee shop, a restaurant, lots of gallery space for temporary exhibits or educational programming and to top it off, a huge piazza for live events!

(check Wall Street Jouranal Europe, “Rome turns to new art, the New Maxxi will try to return the city to its role as an art-world leader”)

The building is designed by archi-star Zaha Hadid,

Dancing Towers, Zaha Hadid

 will open its doors May 30 ( I will NOT be there), after 3 days of opening ceremonies (I WISH  I was there! I love these social occasions! I miss them now that I’m not opening exhibitions anymore – there are none!). Lots of exhibits are opening the new building, so instead of going only to the Pantheon, you have to see this place!

Plan your trip to Italy with me!

It’s time to fulfill your dreams of travelling to Italy like you have never dreamed of before!

After 25 years living here in Italy, I can arrange unforgettable holidays and events all over this fascinating country, not only in the much loved cities of  Florence and all time favourite Tuscany, but also the lesser known areas such as the Veneto region, which is famous for its beautiful artistic cities like Padua and Venice and the romantic Verona with its famous wines (Bardolino, Soave and Valpolicella) and the nearby jewel  Lake Garda and

The hills of Verona

Lake Garda

and also Trentino Alto Adige in the north which is famous for beautiful mountains, and enchanting landscapes and good food.

Trentino Alto Adige

The most seeked out place now for eco-turismo is trekking in Le Cinque Terre and I can organize your wonderful walk there in a snap!

Vernazza from above by trekking

Do you want to hike and trek or go on bike tours into incredible country villages, through some of the most beautiful countryside in the world on well maintained bike and hiking paths? I can prepare a fitness-nature holiday like you have never experienced in your life! Including hay baths, spas and biological food from some of the most seeked out areas of Italy. Do you want to try rafting or canyoning or going into caves? Don’t worry! How about a walking tour in the Lake District of Lake Como and Maggiore, with a hop over to Lake Lugano! No problem! Don’t forget, we will stay in some of the most prized hotels, or cosiest charme hotels or boutique hotels with fantastic food, worthy of your work out!

biking in the Dolomites

I can also provide a highly exclusive, innovative and personal way in which to travel and entertain in Italy. I offer a range of unique services based upon unparalleled local knowledge and unprecedented access to palaces, homes, art collections, sculpture parks, foundations, museums and galleries throughout Northern Italy.

I specialise in travel planning and create tailor-made itineraries for individuals and small groups interested in visiting, or entertaining in, Italy’s most prestigious museums and monuments, private palaces and art collections, many of which are simply inaccessible to the general public. I take great pleasure in arranging introductions to distinguished and flamboyant figures in the Italian  art world, culture and society. I can take you into their private realms like artist’s studios, wine cellars and private palaces. These fascinating people will play host to my clients and offer an unparalleled experience, one which unveils the hidden realms of a country that one may believe oneself to be familiar with.

I offer complete planning for private parties or high-level corporate events in Italy and I am prepared to arrange programmes of entertainment for high net worth individuals, in the major cities  of the North.

I have worked closely with many of Italy’s well-known institutions on a regular basis, including La Biennale di Venezia,  the Uffizi in Florence, St Mark’s Basilica, The Doges Palace in Venice, Castello di Rivoli in Torino, Museum of Modern Art of Roverto (MART) – Italy’s foremost museum of Contemporary Art.

I have a privileged relationship with some the finest hotels in Northern Italy and unique places like Rural Agriturismo and Bed & Breakfasts of Charme in Italy and my clients always receive VIP treatment during their stays. I also know all the finest Beauty Spas in Northern Italy and can plan a fabulous weekend of relax, wellness and the best custom massage treatment ever! I have the added benefit of being able to secure room allocations during their busiest and most requested periods such as Biennale in Venice, along with free tickets! I  have access to a portfolio of private villas and palaces that are currently off the general market, but that can be rented on  request, as well as acquired in certain circumstances.

I can also give you the guided tours you always wanted, as I am a specialist Art Historian of Italian art of the Renaissance and of course, modern and contemporary art. I am also a fine connessieur of wines and regional foods, I know the language, the history, the culture, the local customs and if I don’t know it, I’ll soon find out! The expert on Italy is me! Looking forward to hearing from you!

Grotta di Fumane, the prehistoric cave, discovered by Giuseppe’s uncle Giovanni Solinas

The Grotta di Fumane  (Riparo di Solinas)

riparo Solinas

is known as one of the most important monuments of ancient prehistory. The rich archeological finds conserved in the deposts of the cave represent an exceptional documentation on the  the way of life of the  Neanderthal and the first Modern Man that lived in Europe around 35,000-34,000 years ago. This historical site is of extreme interest or understanding the large biological and cultural change that happened in human evolution.

Grotta di Fumane

 In this cave, the archeologists have found the most ancient cave painting, the “shaman”. The grotto, inside the Parco Naturale Regionale della Lessinia, just north of Verona, is open to visitors  through a suggestive educational programming that allows you to enter the grotto, examine the various stratifications and the paleolithic structures  of the place, going through the footsteps of Ancient Man and of the “Shaman”.

I went to visit the Grotto in the summer at 11.00 pm so we could have the experience of prehistoric man, with the sounds and lights of the firefires that he would have seen. It was very suggestive and an excellent experience for someone to have.

And Giuseppe, my husband’s uncle Giovanni Solinas, a paleontolgist, discovered it many years and that is why it is called “Reparo Solinas”.

www.grottadifumane.it/

Casa Natura B&B in Verona

Casa Natura Bed and Breakfast in Verona

 This is a place to stay on your visit to Verona! I hope to also do my Art Retreat here. Un progetto in due is a beautiful B&B that uses the philosphy of nature, conscious biological gardens and enviornmentally safe house, as its motto. The rooms are fantastic

Crocus Rose room

 A natural and comfortable place to stay, with personal pleasures offered and a serious project involved. This is the place for you!

contemporary art and architecture – alexander museum palace hotel

alexander museum palace hotel

Anyone can choose the  room they want by watching the monitor at the reception: choose your door of the artist and you get the room done by them. Meaning, after 4 years of work the art hotel opened in 2008, designed by 75 artists and another 25 who contributed to the general areas, for a total of 100 artists and sculptors distributed on 9 floors. Now that is what you call a contemporary art museum and you even get to sleep and eat in it!

a room at the Alexander Palace Hotel

 This is hotel is one of the wishes and “extras” that the Conte Alessandro-Ferruccio-Marcucci Pinoli di Valfesina, or for his friends, Nani, an original and interesting person who is also a lawyer, consol, ambassador, writer, poet, painter and sculptor, collector and cultural “tour de force”.

My goodness, not to many people like him around, I’d like to meet him! Better yet, stay in one of the 63  incredible rooms that this hotel has, a “Permanent performance art” hotel with year round art events. Each room is a work of art, realized in different materials: steel, plexiglass, wood, decoupage, and even the furniture, ceilings, floors, bathrooms: every detail is done by artists. The grand hall and the pool are worth just a look. Imagine sleeping in a room done by Sandro Chia, Giò Pomodoro, Arnaldo Pomodoro amongst others.

Someone said the room to take is room 308 by Maria Lepkowska, entitled “Non pretendo che sia tutta rosa“, if you want erotika!

Maria Lepkowska, room 308

 or the 412 by Erika Calesini, called “Armoniosi Pensieri”

.

I like them all, or better yet, you can stay in each room for one night and you get to see them all! Let’s have a contests – who can do all 63 rooms and still have the energy left to eat, drink and swim by the pool! I’m up for it!

www.alexandermuseum.it

Hay baths in the Alps – Natur & Activ Hotel

alto adige

 At Hotel Rogen  you breath the warm hospitality of Monika and Ewald, the owners of the alto tesina hotel. It is on the borders of the town of Spinga, in Val d’Isarco (yes where down hill skiing is done). The rooms are decorated with wood, they have a covered pool and a wellness center with sauna,  turkish bath and watermassage. In their special cabins you can try the traditional hay baths. They are great fun: you are covered in fresh hay from your head to your toes, then are wrapped in a thermal blanket that gets dropped into 35° hot water and you basically bake in hay. They you get lifted out, cleaned off with a special sponge (by a beautiful lady and you are nude!) and then placed in a nice room with a warm blanket to relax. And for those of you who have allergies, like me, nothing happens! Those fresh Alpine flowers only do you good!

Natur & Activ Hotel, Hotel Rogen www.hotel-rogen.it

haybaths