Sandro Negri, Direct from Italy @ Brian Marki Fine Art
Italian Artist Sandro Negri will be making his last U.S. visit to promote his final North American exhibition at Brian Marki Fine Art. The show will feature a series of never-before-seen paintings by Negri, along with several of his classic pieces. The exhibition will be kicked off by a private party for Negri’s collectors on Friday, October 2, while a special VIP event will be held for the public on Saturday, October 3, at the gallery. The event will enable attendees to interact with Negri directly, giving the public one last opportunity to meet an incredibly talented, 21st century artist.
For the past thirty years, Negri has been exhibiting his pieces all across Europe, after being coincidentally discovered by celebrated Italian film director, Cesare Zavattini. Negri was working as an X-ray technician in his native Italy when Zavattini spotted his paintings on the examining room wall. Not only did Zavattini buy the work, he also arranged for Negri’s first exhibit in 1970 and the launch of his successful art career.
“This farewell is truly bitter-sweet,” said Brian Marki, owner of Brian Marki Fine Art. “I am just so elated that Sandro selected Portland as his city of choice for his final visit to the U.S. His art has touched and impressed upon people from all walks of life, reaching even the most skeptical and uninterested and beckoning them to stop and reflect, albeit for a moment. All I can say is enjoy him. Enjoy him while he’s here!”
About the October VIP Event
On Saturday, October 3, 2009, Brian Marki Fine Art will be hosting an exclusive cocktail reception from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. to honor Negri’s last visit to the U.S. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to interact with Negri, view his pieces and experience his art and insights firsthand. Catering will be provided by several local Italian chefs. There will also be a special musical performance from 6:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m. Space is limited; registration is complimentary and required. To register please visit: www.brianmarki.com
About Sandro Negri’s Newest Series
Sandro Negri returns to the United States with a series of paintings representing a turn in direction. With this latest exhibition, he captures and presents us with three very distinct artistic memories, thoughts and feelings. The first part of Negri’s series is entitled Stories (“Racconti”). The protagonist of these paintings is the peasant farmer, whose life and experience is tied closely to the earth. Scratched by Time (“Graffiati dal Tempo”), the second component of the series, takes us back to the very beginning of Negri’s art-making, where he would draw on the worn white walls of the buildings of his village with shards of roof-tile and brick. The third, and final part of the series, is referred to as the Trees (“Alberi”), which focuses on the highly celebrated birch tree (“Betulla” in Italian), proliferate throughout Italy and France.
Exhibition runs October 3-31
Public Opening: Saturday, October 3
Brian Marki Fine Art
2236 NE Broadway
503-249-5659
10 am – 6 pm; Mon-Sat