Jim van Geet

ONE of the biggest events in the art world is the Florence Biennale, an invitation only exhibition that features artists from all over the world in every imaginable media.

AUSTRALIAN PRESENCE: Jim van Geet and the Australian ambassador to Italy, Amanda Vanstone, at the Florence Biennale

Among the 12 Australian artists (out of 890 entries) exhibiting at the sixth Biennale, which was held in Florence last month, was Myrtleford based artist Jim van Geet.
He has returned from the Biennale deeply impressed with the variety of talent he saw there.
“It was an unforgettable experience,” Mr van Geet said.
“The work was hugely diverse.
“Important friendships and links were forged with other artists and galleries from all around the world.

ART LOVERS: Crowds making their way around the Florence Biennale.

“My horizons have been expanded and it’s wonderful to see that the global art world is very much alive, it’s healthy and it’s vital.
“The language of art is universal and it breaks down barriers.
“Australians can be proud that their artists can more than hold their own on the world stage.”
The Biennale’s selection committee scrutinise artists from around the world, with artists selected solely on the basis of the merit of their works, with no prejudice as to style, medium, theme or artistic movement.
Each artist at the Biennale is allowed to exhibit three works, with Mr van Geet taking his Scarlet Masquerade, Carnival and Hibiscus Masquerade paintings.
All work was assessed by each of the eight international judges and Mr van Geet received the comment “excellent work by a master craftsman”.

Australia had a good showing at the Biennale, with an Australian taking out the top award and two other Australians also coming away with major awards.
There was no shortage of contact with other Australians, with a cocktail party organised by Austrade for the Australian artists which featured the presence of Australian Ambassador to Italy, Amanda Vanstone.
Ms Vanstone also spent time with each Australian artist at the exhibition, commenting on their works and expressing her admiration.
Mr van Geet is currently working on pieces for the prestigious Archibald and Moran portrait prizes.

~ by Jim on January 6, 2008.

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