Testimonials - FB


Gary Barnhart 

CANADA

 

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About the Artist
"Inspiration comes easily. I enjoy my work. It is the time I spend “InStudio” that is important. It is a direct “hands on” work process that reveals the true potential of an idea, concept or theme. The image is derived from this creative process which allows it to emerge from it’s natural source into the light of a new existence. Clothed by the word ART the image informs, reveals, and questions our thoughts and interactions with Self and eventually with others. From this creative energy comes a sense of personal awareness and fulfillment. There is also a sense of power which reveals that this object has a life of it’s own and has now become a part of our world. ART becomes a Master, a Sage which inhabits and transcends the pages of daily life in order to fulfill, inspire and compliment the growth and well being of the individual and also of our society".

Artist’s experience at the Florence Biennale
"The Florence Biennale is for the Artist. It is extraordinary in it’s size, location and history. The organization does all it can to accommodate the Artist before, during and after the exhibition. It is full of opportunity for personal growth, professional contact and financial reward. As my partner, Carolynn, stated “You do not know Who is walking the aisles, Who is looking at your work and Where this experience will take you.” I had the good fortune of receiving the “Lorenzo Medici Award for Sculpture” from the International Jury. Also, it was curators from NYC who were looking at my work and now I am professionally represented in NYC by Creative Concepts Inc. The Gala Dinner and The Artist Award Ceremony is OUR opportunity to celebrate. The Dinner with Live Music, Fine Food, Wine & Dancing is Italian hospitality at it’s finest. The Artist Award Ceremony is cause to honour the Individual. Amidst whistles, clapping and general mayhem each artist is actually celebrated and celebrating. A perfect way to end the Biennale. Again, I look forward to the IX Florence Biennale 2013 to celebrate the energy, camaraderie and diversity of the Artist".

www.garybarnhartsculptor.com
About the Artist
Ana Brull’s interesting works may seem somewhat decorative, since from conventional point of view, these unsusual paintings reveal an economical and delicate balance of shapes, colors and textures, aesthetic features that may intended to merely please spectators. Ana Brull remarkable’s pictures are anything but adornments, inasmuch as they easily convey her resolve to depict images able to speak by themselves, namely, her wish to avoid all objective references. If since Plato’s times it became clear that it’s imposible to support a notion about beauty, then a structure does not need to acquire a particular shape excepting its own to be recognized as such. Accordingly, Ana Brüll’s outstanding series can be understood as a trascendental and endless search of shapes. Her structures are multiple means designed to compose the disarray, to equalize opposites and to harmonize dissonance.

Artist’s experience at the Florence Biennale
"I must thank Vito Campanella, an Italian painter living in Argentina, who proposed me to participate in the year 2000 in the Vetrina Internazionale Degli Artisti Latino Americani held at the Palazzo degli Affari di Firenze. From then on I was invited to take part in the 1st Florence Biennale and in the successive ones to date, all held at the Fortezza da Basso. It was, as always, a beautiful experience because of the concentration of artists from different countries, as well as to perceive the development of art in the world. In general, the staging, the knowledge that has grown over the course of the different Biennials and the broadening of how a major undertaking works was the fundamental factor in my choice to participate in it. The cultural events that take place during the exhibition. The seriousness and permanence of its directors, Professor Piero Celona and Pasquale Celona, President of the Biennale".

www.anabrull.com


Ana Brull 

ARGENTINA
 
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T. Truman Capone

USA
 
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About the Artist
"I was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and received a Bachelor of Arts from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, a Master of Science in Graphic Communications from Virginia Tech and Masters of Fine Art from Radford University. I currently reside in Blacksburg, Virginia with a professional career includes the following: Director and Professor of Art & Visual Communication Design, Medical Illustrator & Graphic Designer, and Goldsmith. My artwork appears in juried and invitational exhibitions, both nationally and internationally. I have been fortunate to exhibit in over 97 exhibitions in which my artwork has won awards most recently at the LINEA Contemporary Gallery in Florence Italy the Small Wonders Exhibition. Through my art, I investigate the philosophical process of Zen and the Esoteric while synthesizing these traditions and creating a construct of eastern and western abstract expressionism. These compositions are grounded in experiences of color, geometry and pattern creating color systems reflecting a contextual aerial and atmospheric landscape".

Artist’s experience at the Florence Biennale
"I am honored to be a participant in the 2013 the New Florence Biennale. I was fortunate to win the first place award from the LINEA this past May of 2013, which encouraged me to create new artwork for the 2013 the new Florence Biennale. My connection to the LINEA actually resulted with my acceptance into the 2011 Florence Biennale. I feel the theme Ethics DNA of Art is extremely appropriate for the trajectory and the new paradigm we are approaching in the fine arts today. With the merging of creative technologies, science, engineering and art we are discovering the engagement of artist in a process of integrated creativity as they explore the world around them while creating innovative solutions to problems and communicate their results to an interested and attentive audience enjoying this new art phenomenon. Artists are currently engaged in investigating aspects of our environment while new creative approaches are moving beyond the existing walls of traditional galleries while appealing to new audiences through usage of creative technologies. Emerging artists, and designers are going to be making critical decisions on how we form our society and new types of artists will come to light from exhibitions like the new Florence Biennale in 2013".

www.trumancapone.com
About the Artist
Gabriela Esquivel was born in San Jose, Costa Rica in 1981. She has lived and studied in various countries including Germany, Switzerland, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico and United States. She obtained a Bachelor of Art with minors in Motion Pictures and Fashion Design from the School of Fine Arts of Puerto Rico and a Bachelor in Humanistic Studies with emphasis in Music from the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico. Her artistic works include acrylic paintings, videos, animations and piano compositions.

“Resting in my most intimate spaces I meditate on the phrase “the personal is universal”. From this moment on I can justify the sharing of my intimacy, my most sublime spaces and my inner heavens. My heavens , which can also be your heavens, are the place where I’m born again and I’m able to become one with the divine. It is in this space filled with peace, sound and color where I find heaven on earth. In the midst of this sharing of light is how I experience the most beautiful freedom!”

Artist’s experience at the Florence Biennale
Gabriela Esquivel participated in the X Florence Biennale in October 2015 with two of her paintings from the “Sound of the New Sun” series. She describes her experience as follows: ‘Being part of the X Florence Biennale was a great opportunity which I treasure a lot” I had the chance to share my art with artists, critics and curators from all around the world and I also had the opportunity to visit various florentine artists at their studios. With most of them I have good and solid friendships. Visiting the museums and other Italian towns such as San Gimigniano was another very important part of the experience. The Florence Biennale Team was always very professional and caring. I would certainly love to be part of the Florence Biennale once again.”

www.gabrielaesquivel.com


Gabriela Esquivel

COSTA RICA  PUERTO RICO
 
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Miro Frei

SWITZERLAND
 
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About the Artist
"In the cosmos it is dark. Let’s bring some colour and life into the world. A question of existence".

Artist’s experience at the Florence Biennale
"I return to the Florence Biennale because the last time this event was a good input to me. I learnt here many qualified artists from all over the world (as Poland, Argentina, Canada, Turkey, China). I stay still in contact with numerous of them. With four I even had collectives expositions. The encounter with an artist like Marina Abramovic inspired me. I hope that year the exchange with other artists will be similar".

www.mirofrei.ch
About the Artist
"I see my work as a journey, not only in time and space, but in my own and others’ beings. In our ability, will and courage to express what we want or what we need. I explore the human condition and that which takes place in our identities and relationships. The challenges in life interest me. I am drawn to nerved, faceted beauty. People, landscapes, houses and various things; nothing is entirely perfect or simple. Truth and reality have many faces.
Mostly I work with oil paint and I have my studio in Stockholm, Sweden. In recent years I have exhibited extensively. For example I have participated in shows in Helsinki, Berlin, Paris, Dublin, Barcelona, London, Florence, Chianciano, Porto and New York".

Artist’s experience at the Florence Biennale
"I participated in the Florence Biennale 2011 and thought it was an amazing experience. I am looking forward to participating this year again. To see all the art and to meet with visitors, galleries and fellow artists gives a lot of inspiration and possibilities for future development of my art".


Titti Hammarling

SWEDEN
 
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Wessel Huisman

THE NETHERLANDS
 
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About the Artist
‘I want to recover something that never got lost. I want to visualize something that never has existed, only in my memory.’

Wessel Huisman wonders whether it is still possible – without literally going back to classical techniques and images – to create paintings with the tranquillity, the spatial quality and the inner consistency he experiences in the works of Hans Memling, – or, indeed, some landscapes by Sisley or Pissaro; – a mental condition he also discovered in prints from Japanese artists like Hiroshige. He is searching for constants in the way painting has developed through the ages. From this point of view Etruscan tomb paintings are of equal importance as would be fifteenth century Italian frescos or some of the works of Russian Constructivists. Huisman is not working in a tradition for its own sake; – he in truth maintains values that are still of vital importance, and nourishes them with his own experiences.

From: Dr. G.Teixeira de Mattos, Vital Gestures, Bruges/Belgium, November 2011

Artist’s experience at the Florence Biennale
"What I appreciate most about the Florence Biennale is the fact that many artists presented there, obviously work from their own cultural background and so displaying a variety of individual statements. During many journeys I met a lot of colleagues and art students all over the world. Too often I encountered the contrary of this cultural rooted position: artists that work as suppliers for the international art world; making the trendy works they are expected to make.
My presentation at the last Biennale intended, in a positive sense, to oppose the fashionable cynicism and decadency in Western culture. Instead, it was meant to re-establish the notion of beauty in an actual way. A beautiful painting, object or piece of music refers to personal sensitivities, and by doing that, it reveals you who you are. In the world of art critics and curators, however, for quite some years it is fashionable to proclaim that we have done with beauty and that art is more than ‘just to please people’. But is it not the greatest achievement of art, that it affects the individual self, and contributes to the consciousness of your own existence in such a powerful way?
The Florence Biennale provides an unique global platform to support the development of this consciousness. I am pleased to notice, that the organisation during the recent years has put so much effort in strengthening their position by a growing number of activities, and by gaining the support of many important artists, scientists and institutions. A promising perspective!"

www.wesselhuisman.com
About the Artist
"From Rancagua, small town on the North Pampa Argentina, in my paintings express the density of our landscapes. With oil and burlap as materials, I express my affects from the passion I feel for my country and for Art. The atmospheres and climates I describe as themes, reflecting the dramatic light that characterizes our plain, and the horizon appears and disappears in a dynamic color effects search, in the quest to unravel the mysteries that hide, every weed, every little stream, every soul that inhabits this universe of the end of the world. A thought, an utopia… 'you will strike with a hammer that nail with the dignity of a generous God'."

Artist’s experience at the Florence Biennale
"The VIII Florence Biennale (2011) meant to me the possibility to participate in the most important international exhibition there as part of the arts. My passion for art took me to visit and even to participate in other internationals exhibitions, but none will reach the level of the artists who are in the Florence Biennale.
For that reason I have high expectations for this ninth edition, because I had the opportunity to check the seriousness of the organization, the responsibility and knowledge of the organizers and the formality and consideration they have all the time with the artists. In addition, the selection of them is through international referents in each country and region make an honest search for who they think and consider are the best examples to be in this exclusive exhibition. Needless to say for me is a fantastic experience and I so proud to take part of the Florence Biennale".

www.ricardojuarezpintor.com


Angel Ricardo Juárez

ARGENTINA
 
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Kostas Loudovikos

GREECE
 
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About the Artist
"Greek multi-dimensional artist with studies in painting, Art History and Law in Athens. My portfolio incorporates painting, wall frescoes, icons, drawings, poetry and books on art. I have received international awards and publications for many projects of mine. The Source of Art for me is the great and overall mystery of World, Human and all beings. Now, the artwork “The Shroud of the century” that is exhibited in Florence Biennale 2013 has a direct reference to the Shroud of Turin. I wrapped the body of 21st century with a shroud. And I saw that, the nostalgic and mysterious human flowers of love, suffering and crucifixions, were impressed on the shroud and above them, I saw formed the enigmatic monster of money having used coins. It seems that for all the humanity, the culture and the arts, this century will have to pass through the last Simplegades of the god-man nostalgia and dominating money".

Artist’s experience at the Florence Biennale
"Long live the Florence of Medici, of Santa Croce, of Giotto, the Uffizi Gallery and the Florence Biennale. I participated in the Florence Biennale 2011, in Effetto Biennale in Mexico in 2012, and now in New Florence Biennale 2013. I would like to make a solo exhibition in the famous Florence. As a Greek visual artist, I believe a land that produced great art in the past, can give just as great art in the future. The Art invites us ceaselessly at its weddings. We need a great idea for the present and future of the International Contemporary Art. Let New Florence Biennale set the Paradigm and become the Beginning of an International Great Art, against the upcoming global stupefaction and brutality. Those who create in the 21st century great art, they themselves are Great Art".

www.loudovikos.com
About the Artist
"My love for painting was born when I was a child, growing up with my grandparents. My Grandmother weaved in her free time. I learned how to weave, to dye and to mix colours. My father did create metal plastics and my mother designed jewellery in her spare time. I learned painting, graphic and textile design for three years in my home country, Bulgaria. In 1987, I moved to Berlin in Germany with my parents where I later on studied history of arts at Professor Bredekamp and classical archeology at Professor Rösler at the Humboldt-University. Since 2003, around 40 group and personal shows, in Rome, Venice, Berlin, Pisa, New York, Chicago, Paris, Toronto, Beijing (14th Bejing international art exhibition 2011). Radio interviews (Deutsche Welle) and italian TV reports (Roma Uno-Colori). I am a member of the ‘Societe des artistes independant’ (France) and the ‘l’Académie internationale des Arts Contemporains Belgique’."

Artist’s experience at the Florence Biennale
"I was proud to take part in the Florence Biennale 2011 and glad that I can take the chance to be part of such a outstanding event again in 2013. Feeling as a European artist – born in Bulgaria, living and working in Germany and now exhibiting in Italy again, enriches my life as an artist, especially when my works are shown in Florence, probably one of the most important “art” cities in the world – in history, present and future".

www.iva-milanova.de


Iva Milanova

GERMANY
 
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Carmina Orejas Diez

SPAIN
 
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About the Artist
"I consider myself as a hyper-realistic painter. I am an objective painter, with the ability to observe the reality. However, almost without realizing, this reality is modified when I represent it. As Antonio López says, “we always alter the world when painting it”, and in my case I not only paint what is there, but what I would like to find. I paint what I have near me, what I see every day and I photography as a testimony of what is real. But I cannot help dreaming of what this street, this modern city, would be without pollution and crowds, with a transparent atmosphere; or imagining a clean, bright, almost reflective nature. This is an experiential perspective, where all the little details, by insignificant they are, seem to me worthy of being seen, saved, and used to form a whole which lights this reality".

Artist’s experience at the Florence Biennale
"The VIII Florence Biennale had a special importance in my painting career. It was the first time that I exposed abroad and I must say that my expectations were more than fulfilled. It was an absolutely international biennial, where I contacted numerous artists, collectors, gallerists, etc., from all over the world. And from that moment, I felt required and requested in the international art world. Today I see the IX Florence Biennial as a fundamental opportunity in the career of every artist, not only for establishing profesional contacts around the world, but above all because it is a successful way to promote the dialogue among peoples of different cultures through their artistic expressions".

www.carminaorejas.es
About the Artist
Monumentalist sculptor lives and works in Florence, obtained a diploma at the “Istituto Statale d’Arte”, Vasto and at the “Accademia di Belle Arti” Florence, under the tutelage of Professor Antonio Berti. He had important personal and collective national and international exhibitions and his sculptures are included in major museums such as: Krakow, Warsaw, Cancun, Stia, Arezzo and “Il Bargello” Florence. Among the most important artworks we have: 15 panels (100cm x 100cm) dedicated to the Mysteries of The Rosary and the Monument of Padre Pio, “St Gervasio and Protasio” Church, Florence, unveiled by Mother Teresa of Calcutta; “Lorenzo il Magnifico” Medal, award for its namesake Florence Biennale; Commemorative medal of Enrico Caruso, Villa Gisella, Florence; Commemorative medal for the sanctification “San Pio of Pietralcina”, Vatican City; Commemorative sculpture for the centennial birthday of Greta Garbo, Florence; Sculpture “Crucifixion” for the centennial anniversary of the Chianti Bank, San Casciano Val di Pesa, Florence; Annual Award Medal “Padre Pio, Città di San Giovanni Rotondo”, to S.S. Pope Benedeto XVI, San Giovanni Rotondo; Medal “Padre Pio, Il Cireneo”, to S.S.Pope Francesco, Rome. Among the awards to his artistic areer, we can find the “Beato Angelico Medal”, Florence.

Artist’s experience at the Florence Biennale
"The participation at the Florence Biennale is a very important experience, because we have the opportunity and the chance to meet so many artists all together in one place and in a few days, artists from different cultures who come from many nations around the world. This is a special opportunity to meet eachother and enrich our own artistic and cultural heritage".

www.mariopachioli.it


Mario Pachioli

ITALY
 
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Julien Porisse

FRANCE / ENGLAND
 
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About the Artist
"Julien Corcoran Porisse, England 1962. I was born into a family of artists. My Father Julien Porisse was a painter from the “Butte” Montmartre in Paris, my mother Anne Corcoran ran the Gallery – Atelier. The Bohemian life of the 60’s,70’s in Montmartre, my art studies in England (Leicester Polytechnic, now DMU) and at the École National Supérieur des Beaux-Arts in Paris. Everything was set for me to be a painter just like my father had been… only, that I had to live several different lives before doing a 180° turn 22 years later and start a career as a full time artist in 2008.
My last 2 years have seen a change in ‘Line’. I now use stencils in my painting process. I construct my images piece by piece, color by color almost architecturally. There is a methodology in my painting process that tries to control and plan the image, but in the ultimate moment any decision could be taken and a change made into another direction".

Artist’s experience at the Florence Biennale
Florence Biennale 2009
"I had been painting for almost 2 years when I arrived in Florence in December 2009. I was delighted to have been accepted, as my career was still a bit of a novelty. I had sent in a large painting “Big Bang” a 200 x 200 cm painting sent from São Paulo to Florence. Many artists, maybe close to 800 were present and there were some very high quality works on show. People in suits were part of the jury or the scientific committee and the others were artists or visitors. It took some time to adjust to the Biennale atmosphere which is particular. This Biennale was a great experience and I learnt so much from it. The “Manifesto” by Marina Abramovich on stage in front of all present, a real life instant of her artistry. Simply amazing".

Florence Biennale 2011
"For this Biennale I came better prepared. The ten days in Florence were very enjoyable due to experience I had from 2009. I decided to stay in Florence, not to travel but instead meet the Biennale Staff, the Judges, attend the events in the auditorium. I had good talks with art critics, and the scientific committee members. I wanted to participate in this Florence Biennale. I met many artists and even an old school class mate who I had not seen since 1980. He lived in a large Florentine Vila and had become a Jazz musician and composer, his name “Francisco Barberini”. I have decided to return for a 3rd time, because I respect the Florence Biennale as a truly important contemporary international art biennale. With life time awards given to such great artists as David Hockney, Gilbert & George, Cristo & Jean Claude, Marina Abramovich and now Anish Kapoor. The Florence Biennale 2013 is here so let’s enjoy it!"

www.juliencorcoran.com
About the Artist
"I paint events of everyday life, mental states, people or anything that interests me. I start off my painting process by usually collecting objects, past drawings, anything that is representative of today and the subject I am working on. I glue these objects in a chaotic manner on the canvas or wooden support. Then I start to paint usually in acrylic, but also in oil creating equilibrium between the objects and the paint. I end up usually erasing and painting on top of what is already painted to give a more worked feeling to the painting. It’s not a pre planned or controlled manner, but it opens numerous doors to composition and new ideas emerge as I paint. I have a figurative background that enables me to always keep the work alive".

Artist’s experience at the Florence Biennale
"I’ve been three times to the Florence Biennale: 2001, 2009 and 2011. I participated once in 2011 and received the 5th prize in painting.

I find the Florence Biennale a serious art show that is well organized . The variety of artists from all over the world are of a high standard. The judging panel is of a high level. Florence, Tuscany are very beautiful and each time I’ve been back to Florence it actually has been more enjoyable".

www.liamporisse.com


Liam Porisse

FRANCE / ENGLAND
 
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Giancarlo Scarsi

ITALY
 
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About the Artist
Giancarlo Scarsi has understood the importance of balance in composition, but above all, the necessity of harmony and narration.Painting is an old passion which led him to exhibit in different places (Milan, Venice, Rome, Chianciano, London, Paris, Wien). His is a whispered painting which tells in a small voice the purity of the unlimited metaphysics of innocence, which exalts the line and the transparency of the colour and the narrative value of the illustration. In Scarsi there is the need to narrate and the drawing evokes memories in a tale which develops through images.A human route in which painting expresses memories, emotions and aspirations and where sweetness becomes the leitmotif of a simple and delicate narration. A way of creating art which goes back to the ancient tradition of the illustration with its narrative and decorative value, through a drawing which uses a fragile line which puts down the point of view taking the observer inside the image.

Artist’s experience at the Florence Biennale
"I have been at Florence Biennale twice. Both the experiences were positive particularly because I had the chance to know artists from all over the world, each of them with a different background. I am looking forward to being there again to repeat this nice experience and to have the possibility of showing my work to so many people and artists and to learn something from them".

www.giancarloscarsi.it
About the Artist
"I press the shutter when I create the Haiya world of their own. Haiya’s pictures are intended to be soothing human. Without gloss photos by painting material. I also used to even Fabriano and Japanese paper. I am using only single focus lens because it has a personality. I produce it with feelings. I’m also the work of Conservation for Art ( Painting pictures, Digital Archives for Films)".

Artist’s experience at the Florence Biennale
"I’m participating for 2nd time at the Florence Biennale (2011 & 2013). I ‘m looking forward to see the work of the other participants and People. The best as a place to experience their own. Favorite proverb : The man who makes no mistakes does not usually make anything. By Joseph Conrad (1857-1924). I’m looking forward to the next encounter in Florence".


Haiya Shounosuke

JAPAN
 
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Kikuko Uda

JAPAN
 
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About the Artist
"I live in Kyoto JAPAN now. I have lived in Paris. I visited Europe and I understood how wonderful both Europe and Japan are. Finally, my picture was able to find an original mixing technique of West and Japanese painting. Of course, I like oil painting. I adhere to especially the colors, I am continuing drawing. I would gaze at nature in a gentle feeling increasingly from now on, and would continue liking to learn and draw many more".

Artist’s experience at the Florence Biennale
"I participated in the Florence Biennale 2009, 2011 and 2013. I won 5th Award by Works on Paper 2009. It is important for exhibiting my works to participate in Florence Biennale, and I can see the works of other artists. I am looking forward to seeing the work of the participants and People. I want to continue announcing my art works at the Florence Biennale".
About the Artist
Willow Wu is one of the first artists in the world to use jellyfish as the main theme for his creative inspirations. In Mr. Wu’s paintings, a fantasy-like world, filled with mystery, can be seen through out the unique characteristics of jellyfish: transparent, beautiful, and supple, yet overlapping and distorted. Through the unique nature, Willow Wu assign the jellyfish feminine traits to reflect and allude to a woman’s different emotions in the world, such as her ability to be beautiful, gentle,and passionate, while simultaneously fickle and unpredictable.
In recent years, Mr. Wu has been painting jellyfish as a symbol that mocks political figures, tells an ironic story of human civilizations, and laments the fragileness of human life. Mr. Wu also has begun a new series on the universe, which contemplates the issue between time and space, and the issue about human race should be humble when face to the endless Cosmos.

Artist’s experience at the Florence Biennale
"Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, is the one of most beautiful city in the world. And the city is noted for its history, culture, Renaissance art and architecture and monument.
I am honored to be invited to participate in the Florence Biennale Exhibition 2011 and 2013.The exhibition hall is so bright, commodious, convenient and elegant. I really enjoyed meeting and communicating with artists from different countries around the world during the period of exhibition. And I should praise the staffs and the team of Florence Biennale for their discipline, speciality, enthusiasm and affectionateness. It really was a precious and unforgettable experience in my life.
The space for showcasing artist’s work is usually arranged under the the order of last name in English alphabet.The artists’ last name within back part of alphabet series are usually arranged at the back or corner of Exhibition hall. Like me, Willow Wu. I think it is unfair. I expect that your team could make some improvements on this issue".

www.willow-wu-gallery.com


Willow Wu

TAIWAN
 
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