The Newman University Steckline Gallery will present “Astratto Caldo” by Mario Bernardinello, an internationally renowned artist from Milan, Italy, as the final show of its 2012-2013 season. The exhibit of abstract paintings, which marks Bernardinello’s American debut, begins with a Final Friday reception from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, April 26. The artwork will be on display through May 7. Both the reception and admission to the gallery are free and open to the public.
An exhibition catalog, created by Bernardinello specifically for this event, will be available for purchase at the Final Friday reception. The catalog includes pieces from the show as well as a statement from Bernardinello.
An “Art For Lunch” presentation with the artist will be held from noon to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, April 30 in the gallery. A light lunch will be served on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests may also bring their lunch. This event is also free and reservations are not required.
As part of his visit to Newman, Bernardinello will also offer a Master Class from 1 to 4 p.m. on April 12 and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 13. The charge for the class is $150, which includes an authentic Italian dinner with the artist following class on April 12 at Luciano’s restaurant in Mulvane. To sign up for the Master Class, contact Newman Associate Professor and Director of Visual Arts Mary Werner at [email protected].
“We are very excited that Mario Bernardinello accepted our invitation to exhibit his work in the Steckline Gallery at Newman University – his first exhibition ever in the United States,” Werner said. “His work reflects his great passion and insight into modern art. Mario works on large format canvases using plaster and brilliant acrylic color to create what he calls gestural abstraction. These active canvases are awe-inspiring and convey his passion for warm jazz. He has created the ‘Astratto Caldo’ exhibit for his American debut, and we look forward to presenting Mario and his new work to the Wichita art community, our friends and patrons.”
by
Mario Bernardinello
Mario Bernardinello (who uses the art name M. Bernard) was born in 1933 in Rovigo, Italy. He frequently attends and assists with classes taught by Gino Moro and Contardo Barbieri at the internationally acclaimed Accademia di Belle Arti di Brera in Milan. Bernardinello has been recognized internationally, and has exhibited his work both individually and with groups for more than 40 years in many galleries throughout Europe, including Palazzo Estense of Lendinara in Rovigo, Real Palace of Milano, Leonardo da Vinci Museum of Science and Technique of Milano, Art Expo Fair Padova, and many others. In 1963 he founded Gruppo Artistico Lucania in Milano, now Centro Artistico Milanese. In 2000 he joined the artistic movement Transvisionismo. Bernardinello currently holds the position of president of Palio Artistico de Milano for the Milano Expo Internazionale 2015.
by
Mario Bernardinello
Because Bernardinello does not speak English, his son, Roberto Bernardinello, and daughter-in-law, Ze Bernardinello, will interpret the artist’s remarks at the opening reception, the Master Class and the Art for Lunch. Ze Bernardinello is an adjunct instructor of photography at Newman.
“I am very proud that the Steckline Gallery will be hosting this exhibit,” said Ze Bernardinello. “It is such a unique body of work. I am excited for both Mario and for Wichita.”
More information regarding Mario Bernardinello can be found at his website: www.mario.bernardinello.com.
The Steckline Gallery is located inside the De Mattias Fine Arts Center on the Newman campus, 3100 McCormick. The gallery is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., or by appointment. For more information, call 316-942-4291, ext. 2199.
