Mediterranean Gardens by Franco de Courten

@ Shanghai Times Square

      From Sep. 26th to Oct. 6, 2008, Shanghai Times Square, the Italian art agency and gallery “Elle Quadro”, the Italian Institute of Culture, will jointly present “Mediterranean Gardens”—— a marvelous collection of 24 splendid artworks by renowned Italian artist Franco de Courten.
      Franco de Courten was born in la Spezia, Italy, in 1932. He started to paint at the age of 14 and never stopped, continuing to do so constantly throughout his life. From 2001 to 2003 he has created “Spells”, a series of calligraphic and graphic works inspired to the charms and magical words of the ancient world, together with Mr. Paolo Sabbatini, Director of Cultural Office of the Consulate General of Italy. These works, exhibited in Rome and in Saint-Petersbourg, have been published by the Italian State Press in a magnificent art book, and broadcasted on the Italian TV by Mirabella, the popular Italian anchorman.
      His works very often reflect his life story, especially his oil paintings which are grouped into collections and which he painted as he relived or remembered the places and the environments he knew. Franco de Courten has travelled around the world for all his life and he uses the material of his memory to create images of the gardens he has seen in Algeria, in the Middle East and elsewhere. Together with the images of garden he puts an abstract painting of a colour either compatible or dissonant with the colours of the garden. This collection exhibited in Shanghai Times Square wants to give the Chinese art scene a glimpse of the beauty of the Mediterranean nature.
      On the night of Sep. 26th, the grand opening ceremony is going to be held on the second floor of Shanghai Times Square. Splendid Erhu music performance, good wine and delicacy, together with the charming artworks will lead the on-the-spot audience and the honored guests to stay for an unforgettable night.
Ms. Cathy Hau, Deputy General Manager of Shanghai Times Square, says Shanghai Times Square has been always dedicated to bringing international artists to facilitate art and cultural exchange. In the recent month, we have successfully presented a romantic Italian violin concert by Maestro Vittorio di Lotti. This time Franco de Courten exhibition aims to give the Chinese audience a visual impact on creative charming Italian art.

Exhibition Duration: 10am-10pm, Sep. 26th –Oct. 6th, 2008
Exhibition Venue: L2 Lobby, Shanghai Times Square
No.99 Huai Hai Zhong Road, Shanghai