Gallery and Exhibition Reviews: Antonello Blandi Exhibition in Palermo, Sicily

Notte Siciliana (Sicilian Night)

Mixed Media on Canvas, 100 x 100 cm

Da Palermo A Palermo (From Palermo to Palermo)

Mixed Media on Canvas, 100x 100 cm

I recently moved back to my hometown of Palermo in Sicily, primarily, with hopes of living in a quiet place where I could finish my MA thesis. But also to reconnect with my roots and discover what the art scene is like in Palermo. Since my family is still very much established in the city, I had the opportunity to visit the exhibition reception for a local artist. Antonello Blandi mixes three concepts in his paintings.  He begins by taking a traditional theme here in Sicily, the local landscape (known as Paesaggi in Italian, because it mixes the village-scape within the land). He then adds in an eclectic and arbitrary element: impressionist, abstract, surrealist, etc. All of which are depicted in vibrant colors taken from the Mediterranean setting. 

Antonello Blandi

Giorgio Matranga Eventi presenta: Scaramanpittando* 

Villa Niscemi

Opening Reception: 6th of March 2010 18:30PM

Exhibition from 5th of March until 11th of March 2010

Opening hours: M-F 9:30-13:30 & 16:30-19:30 S/Sun 9:30-12:30

Website Link


Situated along the walls of the front room, sprinkled across the courtyard, and on easels in the back room were displayed Blandi’s brightly colored paintings. The exhibition at the Villa Niscemi is very different from those I have experienced in the UK and the US. For instance, the exhibition stays open for less than a week in this location, and then the works are moved to a gallery. As odd as this seems, it actually is a great way to get loads of people to come to see the works in a historical, but homelike atmosphere.

The brightly colored paintings were highlighted against the wooden walls in the front room and  the stucco walls in the back room. Unfortunately, the Antipasto table and influx of people traveling through to the main gallery space overshadowed the paintings placed on easels in the courtyard. Which is a shame, because of all the paintings, I believe these were the most captivating in technique and subject. Another interesting aspect is that there is no information available listed about the paintings. Although this meant the work was appreciated for its aesthetic value alone, it did make it very difficult to talk to the artist about a particular piece. 

Blandi implements many of the tools of his trade as a graphic designer to highlight Sicilian icons in bright colors and simple shapes. He then adds to this style by drawing upon art historical influences. Da Palermo A Palermo is reminiscent of Van Gogh's Bedroom in Arles (1888), but it also retains a Surrealist characteristic. When I asked the artist about his decisions to place the city's buildings on top of objects, I received a blunt, albeit slightly disillusioning answer. Without reserve the artist proclaimed that while some artists create work to satisfy philosophical or idealistic concerns, he paints to paint. He also realizes that his audience has diverse aesthetic tastes. For instance, some people like scenes with water or boats, while others might prefer chairs. As an older artist, he has realized that art is as much about originality and invention as it is about meeting the practical needs of both the artist and the viewer. 

Alba Siciliana (Sicilian Dawn)

Mixed Media on canvas, 100 x100 cm

Untitled 

Lithography Poster

*Note: Scaramanpittando is a conjunction of two words: scaramanzia and dipingere. Scaramanzia mean superstition, while dipingere means to paint. This link will bring you to the event page, check out the photos from the opening reception.