Life studies
A colourful still life, a graffitied Charlie Chaplin and an exuberant photographic collage of the London skyline are some of the striking works of art brought together at new exhibition Life. In support of Cancer Research UK, the exhibition showcases more than 40 modern and contemporary works on the theme of ‘life’. ‘The subject is very precise, but at the same time everything is life,’ says Jean-David Malat, director of the Opera Gallery in London, who curated the show. ‘That’s why the pieces included can be an embryo by Mauro Corda, a fig tree by Reza Derakshani or a couple by Yasmina Alaoui and Marco Guerra.’ The exhibition begins with a still life by Bernard Buffet, to mark this year’s tenth anniversary of his death. An Andy Warhol triptych and a Maternita by Fernando Botero (‘who has always known how to express life with his joyful characters,’ says Malat) are also among the exhibits, as are works from contemporary artists such as the American Johanne Corno, Brazil’s Romero Britto and Iran’s Alireza Fani. Malat finds two works particularly positive and inspiring. One is Big Hug by Britto, a joyful teddy bear of enamel-painted wood and lacquer. ‘The message is obvious and the feeling is straight to the point,’ explains Malat. The other is Serge Mendjisky’s London, a photographic snapshot of life in the capital.
Life runs from 25 March to 20 April at the Opera Gallery, 134 New Bond Street, London W1
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Mar 26, 2009 11:53 pm US/Eastern
Romero Britto Bonds Out Of Jail After DUI Arrest
MIAMI BEACH (CBS4) ?
Artist Romero Britto was arrested Thursday morning for allegedly driving under the influence on Miami Beach.
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Miami pop artist Romero Britto bonded out of jail Thursday night after being arrested and accused of DUI in Miami Beach earlier in the morning.
According to the Miami Beach police report, Britto was pulled over shortly after 3:00 a.m. in the 500 block of Washington Avenue while driving his black Bentley. The report also indicated he was given a breathalyzer test and blew a .161 and .158 which is twice the legal limit of .08. This information was confirmed by Jenny Velazquez of the Miami Beach Police Department.
“I feel very embarrassed about the whole thing; l think drinking is not good,” said Britto. “I had a few drinks, and that’s what happened.”
The police report states that arresting officer, P. Socarras, witnessed Britto weaving while driving in the southbound lanes of Washington Avenue.
Socarras wrote in his report that Britto “crossed into the left lane on three separate occasions and on the third time almost struck another vehicle which was in that lane.” Britto also “drifted into the right lane almost striking a parking vehicle,” states the report.
After pulling Britto over, Officer Socarras described Britto as having “a flushed face, bloodshot watery eyes, slurred speech and a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage on his breath.”
In addition, the report states “he did not perform to standards” in a roadside sobriety test. Britto even stated to the officer at one point, “Officer, I live across the bridge, give me a break.”
Britto was arrested on the scene and transported to the Miami Beach Police Department for further processing.
Britto’s artwork can be seen throughout South Florida.
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