<<  -- 3 --  Bill Newman    CELEBRATORY PARADE

For everyone in the Arts world companionship and collaboration is an essential part of life. 'Never be jealous of others: if you are, you are finished' is part of the Bussoletti philosophy. I was introduced to Oscar Tirelli, Sergio Pizzerri, and Enzo Falcone, like Victor, all regular contributors to the Italian scene, each imparting strong individual styles with a host of paintings that command attention for their imaginative skills, colour contrasts, and realism in choice of subject matter.

Some of Oscar's creations are on permanent show at the Trattoria opposite the Bussoletti Gallery. A painting of a locomotive, steam jets between huge wheels depicting enormous surges of power behind constructive development caught my eye immediately. There are also clock pieces Ravellian in their fairy tale charm, and several vibrant studies of knights and horses in full armour, perfect for awakening interest with children of all ages, some with a symbolic sword in the foreground to suggest their artist's strong preoccupation with ancient warfare. A three-dimensional effect and arrangement of material permeates each in turn, while two galleons in the swirl of sea battle owes something to Turner. One of the final battle sequences, however, belongs to Don Quixote near the end of his escapades as he attempts to tame the convolutions of windmills, spear brandished aloft. Oscar and I soon became on Christian name terms, his guitar playing giving added support to the musical entertainment.

Sergio Pizzerri's art was on display at the local gallery where dancing was underway together with plenty of refreshments to keep the adrenalin flowing. Sergio's bold approach spans nude figures in reclining poses, mothers with their children, lovers, pagan effigies, wild horses in light reflection, and phantom visions of trees and castles, plus abstract settings of still life. A preference for orange, yellow, green, red and black brings subjects into stark relief. A bizarre but charming painting of two clowns -- mother and son -- reminded me of Fellini.

Meeting Enzo Fellini was an experience. The occasion was the cutting of Maestro's birthday cake, the time past midnight at the Piazza della Liberta. The cake was gigantic, Gian Carlo doing the honours, ably assisted by Francis. It was a mass turnout, and no one was left out! Enzo with his customary French beret had started sketching me before I began eating, and afterwards we trundelled back to Victor's place. He and I posed for pen portraits. Mine is at the top of this feature.

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