Ancient and contemporary art and craft are juxtaposed on the Buffalo State College campus in two separate events when guest artist Franca Marini, professor of painting with the Buffalo State College Siena study-abroad program, demonstrates the medieval craft of gold-leaf painting and presents an exhibition of her latest contemporary work, a room-size multimedia installation that will transform Gallery 234 in Upton Hall. The events are free and open to the campus and community.
Marini will apply egg tempera and gold leaf to a wooden panel in a demonstration of her technique on Oct. 30, 4:30 - 7:15 p.m., in Upton Hall 304. Her reference will be a 14th-century painting depicting the temptation of Saint Anthony.
Marini's multimedia exhibition, which runs Oct. 31- Nov. 1, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m., transforms Gallery 234 into an interactive communication between the artist and visitors. Fabric sculptures suspended from the ceiling on intertwining copper wire create a shadowy path that guides guests to the focal point of the installation: a large painting by Marini comprising six overlapping jute panels. A video demonstration detailing the making of the artwork will accompany the exhibition.
"What interests me most is not just space itself, but rather the possibility to interact and communicate with the viewer through the artwork," explained Marini who exhibits and lectures around the world. "I think of space as the place where the viewer moves and exists."
Marini will hold a discussion of her work on Nov. 1, 12:15 - 1:30 p.m. in the Science Building 213. She will also be present at an open reception that evening, 5:30 – 9 p.m. in Gallery 234.