Image above: Salvatore Zofrea Catching fire-flies in summer from the series Appassionata: one
hundred woodcuts no.15. 1994–1999 Jelutong woodblock 40 x 60 cm image 56.5 x 76.7cm
sheet
Congratulations to Salvatore Zofrea on his upcoming exhibition at Campbelltown Arts Centre
From the Collection: Jagath Dheerasekara & Salvatore Zofrea
Exhibition Dates: 6 July – 13 October 2024
Exhibition Opening July 26th, 6-8pm
Campbelltown Arts Centre
‘Salvatore Zofrea was born in Italy and migrated to Australia in 1956 at the age of nine. Zofrea’s practice is influenced by his life story and the natural world. As an artist, Zofrea has committed his life to painting, drawing and printmaking, often creating work in series over the course of several years. He draws inspiration from a vast array of research including art history, literary texts, poetry, music, film, and performance as well as from his life experiences.
Apassionata is a series of 100 woodblock prints created by Zofrea between 1994–99. The series is renowned as the most detailed account of key events in his life, depicting scenes from Zofrea’s early life in Italy to his coming of age in Australia. Zofrea depicts moments in time from significant milestones such as My birth at 9pm, to everyday memories with friends and family in Catching fireflies in summer. Although deeply personal in nature, Zofrea encourages individuals to bring their own emotions and life stories to the interpretation of his works.
37 works from the ‘Apassionata’ series were donated by the artist to Campbelltown City Council Art Collection in 2003…’
Please see the Campbelltown Arts Centre website for more information
Image above: Days of Summer 2008-23 hand-coloured woodcut with lapis lazuli on paper edition unique 44 x 59 cm
“…I was inspired to create this series of images by becoming aware of the abundance of beauty in the flora and fauna around us. I have become very conscious of the variety, subtlety and grandeur of each form of life; and I hope that viewers will respond to these images in the same way.” – Salvatore Zofrea
We are delighted to announce Salvatore Zofrea’s online exhibition Days of Summer, running from November 2023 through to March 2024.
This exhibition is a culmination of over twenty years of printmaking and comprises 40 woodcut prints of Australian fauna and flora. This particular set has been painted by the artist using precious lapis lazuli pigment. To view the online exhibition click here.
Days of Summer coincides with presentation at Clayton Utz organized by 3:33 Art Projects, where you can view Zofrea’s extensive collection of works including his iconic 30 metre long work, Midday light, depicting wildflowers in the shimmering Australian light.
Image above: Midday light 2021 oil and lapis lazuli on canvas 25 panels 152 x 122 cm each
Currently, Zofrea is working on his Four Circles series, depicting Australian wildflowers in their natural light at various times of the day – morning, midday, afternoon and evening. Each circle consists of 25 panels, each one being 153 cm high x 122 cm wide, totalling 30 metres in overall length.
Information about the 3:33 Art Project exhibition can be found at 333artprojects.com.
Please email sydney@australiangalleries.com.au with all enquiries
To read more about Salvatore Zofrea and view a selection of the artist’s work, click here.
We are delighted to share that Salvatore Zofrea has an upcoming solo exhibition at Manly Art Gallery & Museum, opening on Friday 2 September with remarks from Mr Andrea De Felip, Consul General – Consulato Generale D’Italia in Sydney.
Drawing and the power of mark-making are the foundations of Salvatore Zofrea’s artistic practice. This survey exhibition explores the underlying narrative of Zofrea’s personal journey from Italy to the Australian landscape. Celebrating Zofrea’s 75th year, the exhibition traces his artistic development through drawing; from his early sketches to preliminary drawings for woodblock prints, psalm paintings, frescoes, stained glass windows and his most recent Circle series of multi-panelled paintings.
Salvatore Zofrea: The Drawn Line is the first survey of the artist’s drawings to be held in Australia. This exhibition presents a relatively unknown aspect of this celebrated artist’s practice. While highly regarded as a painter and printmaker, we see throughout Zofrea’s career his love and appreciation for drawing as a means of visual thinking and personal expression. Drawing forms the basis and flows through all of his work. Ranging from tender early studies of his mother’s hands, to preparatory sketches for his allegorical Psalms series of paintings and the Appassionata woodcuts, The Drawn Line also includes more recent renderings of the Australian bush.
Presented in partnership with Orange Regional Gallery.
Salvatore Zofrea: The Drawn Line
Manly Art Gallery & Museum
West Esplanade Reserve, Manly NSW 2095
2 September – 16 October 2022
OPENING NIGHT:
Friday 2 September 6 – 8pm
Manly Art Gallery & Museum
West Esplanade Reserve Manly NSW 2095
Attendance is free, booking required – BOOK HERE
See more free Talks & Events related to the exhibition.