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

Joakim Ericsson (b. 1972)

October Full Moon, Oil on Canvas, 29x37 inches.



Joakim Ericsson was born in Sundsvall Sweden in 1972. He began his formal study of art in 1993 at the Stockholm Art School. Disappointed by the school’s lack of emphasis on traditional technique, he left after one year to pursue independent study. Over the next four years, he was often frustrated by his artistic isolation, yet sometimes heartened by the success of the very few contemporary artists who shared in his classical ideas.

In 1998, Joakim was thrilled to discover The Florence Academy of Art. After studying there for three years, he returned to Sweden to paint and in2002 began spending summers in Norway under the tutelage of Odd Nerdrum, who had been an inspiration to the artist as a young man. After two years of work in Sweden, Joakim returned to Florence to teach at the Florence Academy of Art, and was co-Director of the Painting Program until 2006. In January 2007 he started up FAA's first branch school in Gothenburg, Sweden. He works and teaches there today.

Click here to see more of Ericsson's work: http://galeriemichael.com/artists/ericsson-joakim/

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