Galerie Michael opens its fall season with an Exhibition by Artist Alumni from the Florence Academy of Art

With a private evening reception on Thursday, September 15, Galerie Michael opened its doors for the inaugural exhibition of recent paintings and sculpture by artist alumni from the Florence Academy of Art (FAA) in Italy. The exhibition showcases twenty-two artists in the academy’s west coast debut whose works are reminiscent of the European masters of the Renaissance. Technically exquisite and thematically exploring mythological storytelling and a play on life, death, narcissism and the supernatural the exhibition highlights traditional craftsmanship, observation from nature and studio expertise that these artists continue.

In his opening speech gallery owner Michael Schwarz expressed his lasting commitment in presenting the works of the artists of the Florence Academy and respectfully spoke of the integrity, stimulating artistic discourse and dedication that these young artists have offered since his first visit to the academy in Florence. Equally proud of the collaboration and launching of the exhibition program was FAA founder Daniel Graves and executive director Susan Tintori who shared insights of the academy’s history and mission.

Invited guests flocked to the gallery opening delighted to meet several of the artists in person and to view the expansive new art display firsthand. During the evening clients and artists mingled in the upstairs galleries filled with impressive figurative paintings, still lifes and life size bronze sculptures. Off to an exciting new art season the exhibition continues on view through October 15, 2011.

A fifty page full color catalog is available.

Galerie Michael
224 N. Rodeo Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Mon – Sat: 10:00am to 7:00pm
Sun: 12:00pm to 6:00pm

Robert Bodem (b.1971)

Let the Words be Yours, I am Done with Mine,2009, Bronze Sculpture

Robert Christian Bodem (b.1971, Minneapolis, Minnesota) graduated cum laude in Sculpture from Boston University in 1995 where he also received a Master of Arts in 1998. In that same year, Robert was a recipient of the prestigious Albert S. and Ester B. Kahn Award for his talent in figurative sculpture. During his undergraduate studies, he worked as an assistant to the sculptor Dimitri Hadzi. He later spent a year as a sculpture student at The Florence Academy of Art (1995-1996), to return in 1998 as the Academy's principal Sculpture instructor. He became Director of the Sculpture program in 2003.

His exhibitions include group and juried shows throughout Massachusetts and New York. Robert was selected to take part in the 2002 National Sculpture Society Annual Awards Exhibition in 2002. Group exhibitions include: “Realism Revisited”, Panorama Museum, Germany, 2003, "Realism Revisited", Hirschl and Adler Galleries, Inc., New York, and The Florence Academy of Art First Annual Alumni Exhibition, Florence, Italy, 2005.

“Nature is a great teacher, and working from direct observation allows me to unlock some of her mysteries. The forms that I am able to bring to the surface should clarify my interpretation of human relationships. To copy nature is an impossibility, but to seek an understanding of particular human emotions, to attempt to clarify emotional content through silent sculptural form, is within the artist's reach. I feel it is necessary to study life. Drawing on the inspiration I receive from the subject is an attempt to make poetry of the form, and ultimately, present the viewer with those essential forms that expand our knowledge of how we interrelate to one another.”

View Bodem's Art: www.galeriemichael.com/artists/bodem-robert/

Michael Visits the Florence Academy

This past February Owner and President of Galerie Michael, Michael Schwartz, visited the Florence Academy of Art, Florence Italy, to hand select artists to exhibit at Galerie Michael's Florence Academy Alumni Exhibition in September. Not only did Michael visit the studios of artists such as Daniel Graves, Founder of the Academy (Philosophy of Art), Professor and Alum's Robert Bodem and Hunter Eddy, and students Louis Fenne, Cornelia Hernes, and Vitaliy Shtanko but he also selected and commissioned some of the works for the gallery's upcoming show. (right: Alicia Ponzio, Below: Robert Bodem's sculpture studio)




The Florence Academy was founded in 1991 and specializes in highly skilled Realistic painting, drawing, and sculpting in the traditions of the Old Masters. The students of the academy go through a rigorous 4 year training followed by an apprenticeship.


During the first year of study the students focus on academic drawing and rarely pick up a paintbrush in fact it's not until they have the background, discipline, skills and knowledge do the students start painting. First the artists study the basics such as the materials needed to create defining works, the differences between manufactured paint and handmade oils, how to stretch canvas, make frames, and students study in depth the works of the Old Masters. (Right: Eran Webber and his studio)



Keeping in the tradition of the Old Masters, it's not until this basic foundation is laid, do the students study form, light and basic compositions. The models come in and the students start to create drawings and basic sculptures from live models.


The next step is taking what is learned and applying it to the canvas, however before this happens the old tradition of sketching is taught. Then once the sketch is created and reworked until the students the students learn light, shadow and color by the absence of color. Sepia tones and black and white tones are first used to gain understanding of light, shadow, depth, movement of paint and tones. After this step is mastered the artist has graduated and uses color but you will notice the colors are used as an accent in most of these artists' works, a way to accentuate the subject, move the eye, and enhance the overall image. (Right: Hege Elisabeth Haugen studio, Above: Alicia Ponzio's studio)



With this intensive study that the artists are able to create masterpieces that move and envelope its viewers. This technique is drastically different than the Impressionist who use conflicting colors to create movement, the Realists tend to lean on the enhancement of color or sometimes the lack of color to bring drama and focus to their work. (below: Cody Swanson's studio)


We hope that you can join the gallery in September in welcoming the first annual Florence Academy Alumni Exhibition! More information to come closer to the event.