Exploring Tradition and Innovation: Frans Smit’s ‘MIDDLE/SOUTH’ at Lift Gallery

In the heart of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, art enthusiasts are in for a treat as Lift Gallery & Curator19.90 proudly present “MIDDLE/SOUTH” by the esteemed artist Frans Smit. Nestled within the walls of Lift, this captivating exhibition promises to take viewers on a journey through the poésie of Arabian portraits, offering a unique perspective on the intersection of tradition and innovation.

Lift Gallery, founded by the visionary 23-year-old Saudi designer Nouf Bint Abdulaziz AlSaud, stands as a testament to the transformative power of art. With a firm belief in the importance of creative self-expression, Nouf has created a space where young Saudi artists can shine alongside recognized international talents. Lift aims not only to showcase the diverse array of artistic voices in the region but also to foster a sense of community and collaboration among artists and enthusiasts alike.

At the heart of “MIDDLE/SOUTH” lies the work of Frans Smit, a South African artist renowned for his innovative approach to contemporary painting. Smit’s unique blend of traditional and modern techniques breathes new life into Dutch old masters and Renaissance artworks, resulting in a style that is distinctly his own. Through meticulous research and a deep understanding of the Old Masters, Smit captures their essence on canvas, offering viewers a glimpse into the timeless beauty of art.

Guiding the curation of “MIDDLE/SOUTH” is Victoria Nasser, a seasoned professional with a passion for pushing boundaries and challenging conventions. Victoria’s rich professional background, coupled with her recent focus on the intersection of contemporary art and Freud’s psychoanalytic theory, brings a unique perspective to the exhibition. Through her studies, Victoria explores the influence of parental upbringing on the development of artistic talent, shedding new light on the complex interplay between nature and nurture in the creative process.

As viewers immerse themselves in the mesmerizing world of “MIDDLE/SOUTH,” they are invited to contemplate the past, rethink the present, and reshape the future. Through the poésie of Arabian portraits, Frans Smit invites us to reflect on the significance of tradition and innovation in shaping contemporary society and the art sphere today.

From Riyadh to the world, “MIDDLE/SOUTH” is more than just an exhibition; it’s a celebration of art, culture, and the boundless possibilities of creative expression. As visitors explore the captivating artworks on display, they are reminded of the enduring power of art to inspire, provoke, and unite us all.

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The post Exploring Tradition and Innovation: Frans Smit’s ‘MIDDLE/SOUTH’ at Lift Gallery first appeared on street art united states.
by Sami Wakim via street art united states

Exploring Tradition and Innovation: Frans Smit’s ‘MIDDLE/SOUTH’ at Lift Gallery

In the heart of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, art enthusiasts are in for a treat as Lift Gallery & Curator19.90 proudly present “MIDDLE/SOUTH” by the esteemed artist Frans Smit. Nestled within the walls of Lift, this captivating exhibition promises to take viewers on a journey through the poésie of Arabian portraits, offering a unique perspective on the intersection of tradition and innovation.

Lift Gallery, founded by the visionary 23-year-old Saudi designer Nouf Bint Abdulaziz AlSaud, stands as a testament to the transformative power of art. With a firm belief in the importance of creative self-expression, Nouf has created a space where young Saudi artists can shine alongside recognized international talents. Lift aims not only to showcase the diverse array of artistic voices in the region but also to foster a sense of community and collaboration among artists and enthusiasts alike.

At the heart of “MIDDLE/SOUTH” lies the work of Frans Smit, a South African artist renowned for his innovative approach to contemporary painting. Smit’s unique blend of traditional and modern techniques breathes new life into Dutch old masters and Renaissance artworks, resulting in a style that is distinctly his own. Through meticulous research and a deep understanding of the Old Masters, Smit captures their essence on canvas, offering viewers a glimpse into the timeless beauty of art.

Guiding the curation of “MIDDLE/SOUTH” is Victoria Nasser, a seasoned professional with a passion for pushing boundaries and challenging conventions. Victoria’s rich professional background, coupled with her recent focus on the intersection of contemporary art and Freud’s psychoanalytic theory, brings a unique perspective to the exhibition. Through her studies, Victoria explores the influence of parental upbringing on the development of artistic talent, shedding new light on the complex interplay between nature and nurture in the creative process.

As viewers immerse themselves in the mesmerizing world of “MIDDLE/SOUTH,” they are invited to contemplate the past, rethink the present, and reshape the future. Through the poésie of Arabian portraits, Frans Smit invites us to reflect on the significance of tradition and innovation in shaping contemporary society and the art sphere today.

From Riyadh to the world, “MIDDLE/SOUTH” is more than just an exhibition; it’s a celebration of art, culture, and the boundless possibilities of creative expression. As visitors explore the captivating artworks on display, they are reminded of the enduring power of art to inspire, provoke, and unite us all.

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The post Exploring Tradition and Innovation: Frans Smit’s ‘MIDDLE/SOUTH’ at Lift Gallery first appeared on street art united states.
by Sami Wakim via street art united states

Fabio Petani’s “Essenze di Gallura”: A Stairway to Artistic Transformation

Nestled within the enchanting landscape of Arzachena, a small municipality in the heart of the Costa Smeralda (Sardinia), lies the Santa Lucia staircase—a once humble structure now transformed into a canvas of vibrant colors and symbolic imagery, courtesy of the talented artist Fabio Petani. Titled “Essenze di Gallura,” Petani’s artistic intervention has breathed new life into the 75 steps of Santa Lucia, offering both locals and visitors a captivating journey through the natural wonders of Gallura.

Petani’s vision is a celebration of the region’s rich botanical heritage, with each brushstroke meticulously capturing the essence of Gallura’s flora. As one ascends the staircase, they are greeted by a tapestry of myrtle and rosemary, plants synonymous with the rugged beauty of Sardinia’s landscape. These botanical elements not only serve as visual delights but also carry profound symbolism, invoking themes of purity, beauty, and the importance of environmental stewardship.

Central to Petani’s composition is the olive tree, a revered symbol of peace and regeneration across cultures. Positioned at the apex of the staircase, the olive tree stands as a beacon of hope amidst the tumult of contemporary challenges, its branches reaching towards the heavens in a silent plea for unity and harmony. Against the backdrop of an uncertain future marked by climate change, the artist ingeniously incorporates a synoptic scale—a striking red band that serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for environmental conservation.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Petani’s intervention is imbued with layers of meaning deeply rooted in local tradition and folklore. Saint Lucia, the patron saint of sight and eye protection, presides over the ascent, her presence symbolized by the graceful silhouette of rosemary—a plant renowned for its medicinal properties beneficial to ocular health. Drawing upon the mythological associations of myrtle with the goddess Venus, Petani invites viewers to contemplate themes of beauty and renewal, inviting them to reconnect with nature’s timeless rhythms.

The significance of Petani’s intervention extends beyond the realm of art, serving as a catalyst for cultural revitalization within the community. By transforming a utilitarian structure into a site of artistic pilgrimage, the Santa Lucia staircase becomes a nexus where locals and tourists alike converge to experience the transformative power of creativity. As visitors traverse the colorful steps, they are not merely spectators but active participants in a dialogue between art and environment, history and contemporary discourse.

In acknowledging the collaborative efforts that brought “Essenze di Gallura” to fruition, Petani extends his gratitude to the Associazione Culturale Skizzo for their logistical support, as well as to the Cultural Delegate, Valentina Geromino, and his colleague Giorgio Casu for their invaluable contributions to the project. Their collective endeavor exemplifies the spirit of community engagement and cultural exchange, reaffirming the importance of art as a catalyst for social cohesion and collective imagination.

For residents and visitors alike, the Santa Lucia staircase now serves as more than just a means of ascent; it is a testament to the transformative power of art to transcend boundaries and inspire collective action. As Petani’s vibrant hues continue to enchant and provoke contemplation, the essence of Gallura blossoms anew with each step taken—a testament to the enduring resilience of nature and the human spirit.

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The post Fabio Petani’s “Essenze di Gallura”: A Stairway to Artistic Transformation first appeared on street art united states.
by Sami Wakim via street art united states