BLUE MADONNA

Gottfried Helnwein and Trish Duggan Collaboration at Imagine Museum of Art, St. Petersburg, Now on Display

Gottfried Helnwein, a globally acclaimed artist and painter, joined creative forces with Trish Duggan, an artist and sculptor, to give life to the captivating installation named “Blue Madonna.” In this collaborative effort, Helnwein skillfully crafted photo-realistic paintings that pay tribute to the iconic Madonna portrayed by Renaissance masters. Complementing this, Duggan drew inspiration from the authentic visage of the Madonna, meticulously cast in glass using a mold derived from Michelangelo’s original “Pieta.” She added her distinct artistic touch to the piece, creating a captivating fusion of aesthetics.

This artistic partnership breathes life into an evocative homage dedicated to mothers worldwide. Through “Blue Madonna,” Helnwein and Duggan weave together the threads of history, technique, and emotion, delivering a poignant tribute that transcends cultural boundaries and resonates deeply with audiences.

Guercino’s Friar with a Gold Earring:

Fra Bonaventura Bisi, Painter & Art Dealer at the Ringling Museum, St. Petersburg, October 14 – January 7, 2023

Explore the life and influence of Fra Bonaventura Bisi (1601-1659), a dynamic Franciscan friar who left an indelible mark as an art dealer, printmaker, and celebrated miniature painter in seventeenth-century Bologna.This exhibition offers a vivid glimpse into Baroque Italy’s vibrant art scene and collecting culture. Discover Fra Bisi’s artistic journey, his connections with luminaries like Guercino, his exceptional miniatures, and his dedication to elevating drawings as an art form.

Spanning diverse media such as oil paintings, miniatures, drawings, and prints, this exhibit showcases Fra Bisi’s impact. With contributions from esteemed collections in Italy and the US, alongside The Ringling’s own Baroque art treasures, the exhibition paints a rich portrait of Fra Bisi’s enduring artistic legacy.

500 Years of Italian Drawings from the Princeton University Art Museum

Now – August 13, 2023
at the Ringling Museum

Delve into the rich tapestry of Italian art history through the Princeton University Art Museum’s exhibition, “500 Years of Italian Drawings.” Showcasing a curated selection of ninety-five masterpieces from revered artists like Parmigianino, Guercino, Bernini, and Modigliani, the exhibition offers a captivating journey from the late 15th to the early 20th centuries. Explore the intricate techniques, educational significance, and experimental nature of these drawings, while grasping the pivotal role they played in shaping artistic imagination and realization. With a focus on the human figure, these works reveal drawing’s profound impact on Italian art, embodying both intimate expression and universal artistic practice.