Press release – Italian Institute of Culture - Melbourne
3 February 2006 (1 page)
LEO MATIZ E L’ELOQUENZA DEL SILENZIO:
LA PASSIONE DI FRIDA
On the occasion of the Third International Conference of Young Sicilians, the Italian Institute of Culture, Melbourne, will host the photographic exhibitionLa Passione di Frida. Leo Matiz’s photography at last arrives toAustralia, after countless exhibitions and much acclaim throughout EuropeandAmerica. This not-to-be-missed event will be realised thanks to the support of the Regione Sicilia, C.R.A.S.E.S. and Se.R.E.S., as well as the precious collaborationof both the Museum of Bagheria (Palermo), andthe Leo Matiz Foundation, Bogota`.
Born in Macondo, Colombia, Leo Matiz was driven to roam through South America by an insatiable desire for travelling.Here he discovered the favourite subjects of his photography: land, humble people and artists. His journey finished in Mexico, where he started working with the mural painter David Alfaro Siqueiros, and met and immortalised many artists, among which the unforgettable Frida Kahlo.
The photographic exhibition La passione di Fridaexplores the Mexican painter’s misterious personality. The artist is depicted with a severe and determined countenance, and the expressiveness of her face and her gestures reveals a profound interior energy.
To the portraits of the 40s have been added to thosetaken during the 80s. The latter depict Sicilian Angela Pintaldi, a young woman who imitates Frida Kahlo’s poses and style of dress.Matiz’s pain shines through these images:thanks to the Italian model’s collaboration, he creates a relationship with the painter, with whom he feels a sympathetic connection based on sorrow and mutilation. In 1979 Matiz lost his left eye after an accident which took him away from photography. The exhibition’s 20 photographic images constitute a moment of dialogue with Frida Kahlo, through which Matiz can live again and overcome his suffering, and come back to art. This gradual eye re-education runs through his experience in Italy.
Leo Matiz died in 1988. A few months later a Foundation named after the artist was created inBogota’. The project was realised thanks to the help of his daughter Alejandra.In 1948 he was recognised by the international press as one of the ten most important photographers of the twentieth century.
On this occasion the Italian Institute of Culturein Melbourne willbecomeS a place of cultural exchange between Columbia, Mexico and Sicily; a crossroads of different stimuli that for the first time meet and unite on Australian soil.
The exhibition will be opened Thursday, 23 February, at 7.30 p.m. at the Institute building. Alejandra Matiz will provide an introduction on the exhibition and on her father’s work, This will be followed by a light refreshment.
Leo Matiz e l’Eloquenza del Silenzio: La Passione di Frida.
Opening: Thursday, 23 February 2006, 7.30 p.m. It will remain open until Wednesday, 1 March.
Admission isfree.
Italian Institute of Culture
233, Domain Road
Melbourne
For enquires and interviews contact Melissa Hardingham, Italian institute of Culture: (03) 98202054 (03) 98665931