JAMES LANGSTON
Biennale

PRESS RELEASE:

Florida artists Anna Sandoval and James Langston exhibit in Florence, Italy. Langston wins a silver medal.

From the left-Dr.Julio Sandoval, Mrs. Jane Phillips, Mrs. Martha Langston, Mrs. Anna Sandoval, Mr. James Langston, Mrs. Desy Safan-Gerard, Mr. Hal Gerard and Mr. James Pullar

December-Florida residents Anna Sandoval and James Langston recently were involved with the largest art exhibition on earth in Florence, Italy at the Biennale Internazionale Dell' Arte Contemporanea. Six hundred and forty artists from fifty-four countries were present for the event. There were 93 Americans showing their art works at the exhibition. Not a small number considering that the United States government does not sponsor, nor recognize this

Exhibitors Langston, Sandoval, Ricker and Cowans.

art event. The following governments both supported their artists and many countries sent representatives to assist their artists. There were 131 Italians, 93 Americans, 75 Argentineans, 50 Colombians, and 35 Mexicans. Not only were works by both Prince Charles and Queen Victoria shown but also in conjunction were exhibits by Casagrande and Rintala of Finland with their conceptual work in the Piazza dell Repubblica based on an idea from Cristo. Alongside with those artists were Carla Fracci, Marta Marzotto and other important guests such as Ferruccio Soleri and the poet Mario Luzi. The patroness of the 2001 Biennale was Gina Lollobrigida, who has been admitted to the Legion of Honor for her artistic merits. Lollobrigida showed three sculptures, one of them dedicated to the FAO, reflecting her commitment to the struggle against hunger in the world. Her works were displayed at the Station of Santa Maria Novella.

In front of Langston’s exhibit, the artist with famous Naples photographer Fabrizio Fiorenzano.

In this third year of the Biennale, two eminent figures in the art world have joined the International Panel of Judges: Dr. Barbara Rose, the well-known critic of contemporary art from New York City and Dr. David Rubin, curator of the Contemporary Art Center in New Orleans and recent curator of the very popular traveling exhibit, "It’s Only Rock and Roll." For 2001, the 3rd Florence International Biennale of Contemporary art, was vastly broadened and enlarged for more exhibition of works by international artists, flanked by a full program of concerts, collateral exhibitions, receptions, and special events reserved to participants. Many representatives from foreign governments such as Argentina and Mexico were present adding to the importance of this event. Portland, Oregon and their mayor were recognized for their efforts with the Biennale.

Langston with his exhibit after winning a silver medal.

The Biennale was held in the historic buildings of Firenze Expo, Florence's premier exhibition space. The Florence Biennale, is structured as a convocation of career artists, who gain the opportunity to show in an international forum, make contacts, and enter into the cultural life of a uniquely beautiful city as Florence, whose artistic heritage is well known all over the world. The extraordinary success of 1999, established the Florence Biennale as the world's most comprehensive exhibition of contemporary art. During the exhibition's ten days duration more than 20,000 visitors came to see the art works exhibited by 640 artists from 54 countries. Beginning in 2001, the number of art techniques was expanded from three to six. In addition to Painting, Sculpture and Works on Paper, artists submitted works in photography and Video and Digital Art. The Florence Biennale enjoys the official recognition of the Italian Foreign Ministry, the Italian State Railways, the cultural section of Region of Tuscany, the Country of Florence and the city of Florence.

It was a very special trip this year for several reasons. Citrus County residents James Pullar, Dr. Julio Sandoval, Mrs. Jane Phillips and Martha Langston were there to share the magic of the event and several of the special events. Added to that, James Langston was honored to win a silver medal for his works on paper.

Thank you!!!!!
James Langston
langston@xtalwind.net

www.xtalwind.net/~langston Designed Illusions
www.geocities.com/la1ng2sj334423 Designed Illusions 2
http://www.fusic.com/en/jameslangston/ U.S.A.

"Tread softly because you tread on my dreams." (W B Yeats)
"Art, being quite useless, except to the soul, is the highest of all human endeavors." (Bruce M. Rogers)