Forty two New Zealand artists have been invited to participate in the Italian art exhibition to commemorate New Zealand's involvement in the World War Two battle of Monte
Cassino. The NZ art exhibition was opened in Cassino's
public library complex in the centre of the town with a formal gala on May 15. Averill Stuart-Head, a Premier Portfolio Artist, absolutearts.com, has been invited to exhibit.
IMAGE
Artist: Averill Stuart-Head
Title: Paris 1
Year Created: 2010
Medium: Mixed Media
Width: 22 inches
Height: 22 inches
Price: US$ 495
Purchase This Work
View more work by Averill Stuart-Head in her portfolio at absolutearts.com http://www.absolutearts.com/portfolios/a/aveeva
"Artists have a special role to play in the global struggle for peace. At their best, artists speak not only to people; they speak for them. Art is a weapon against ignorance and hatred and an agent of public awareness - Art
opens new doors for learning, understanding, and
peace among people and nations." - Kofi Annan
Most of the artists have grandparents, uncles and
relatives who fought in World War Two, or who
fought in Italy and some have grandparents and
relatives who were at the Battle of Monte
Cassino. A number of artists are heading to Italy
for the exhibition in May and staying at nearby
Roccasecca, a town over 1000 years old where the
Kiwi soldiers are well remembered.
The commemoration art event has been labeled the
Legato exhibition. Kay De Lautour Scott said
legato in Italian meant intertwined, like strands
of rope, giving it strength.
"Now, two generations later, the grandchildren
of the Kiwi soldiers are returning to Italy to
visit these families, and young Italians are
moving to New Zealand. Every year hundreds of New
Zealanders visit the graves of their countrymen
who remained here.
"The horror of war has passed into memory, but
the friendships are alive and vibrant. Nationally
this connection may feel stronger in New Zealand
where almost every family has a direct link to
Italy, whereas in Italy there are many areas
where other nations played a similar role and
have these same ties.
"Legato means tied together. The legacy of war
is part of our common heritage. Now it is our
task to make a lasting peace the focus of that
heritage. Kiwis are held in high regard around
here. They are remembered for feeding the
children, providing clothing, stealing army
blankets for the cold," Kay de Lautour Scott
said.
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