Maura Zonta | The Work
Statement
Maura Zonta ( alias Libe) was born in Monfalcone ( Gorizia) in 1959. She received her degree in Architecture at the Politecnico in Milan. She now lives in Milan where as well as a painter and sculpture, she also works as an Architect, focusing on Residential, Industrial and Office projects as well as the Restoration of religious and historical buildings. In October 2010, for Architecture, she received the 22nd Premio delle Arti Premio della Cultura 2010. In May 2011 she received The Special Jury Award at International A.U.P.I. Award ,in Milan, for the paintings “Ribbons on black ground II”.
Libe was born in a region of Italy (North East) heavily influenced by antique Venetian culture and it is this Venetian history that is evident in several of Libe’s pieces, specifically the “Arlecchini”. Furthermore her art incorporates “Mitteleuropean” culture, as well as Viennese characteristics. All these different cultures she utilizes are the reason behind her profound interest in the “Association of Austrian Artists – Vienna Secession”, like J. Hoffmann, K. Moser and G. Klimt.
This interest is noticeable through her frequent use of the colour gold and the repetition of Byzantine patterns. Her painting technique however, obtained by dotting the surface with ever fading colours, reveals Libe’s passion for Abstractism, from Divisionism to Futurism and further.
All these cultures and techniques combine to produce very colourful pieces, rendering her work to be constantly vibrant and luminous.
The objects that Libe chooses to work with and paint over also play a large role in the creative process of the piece. In sculpture the first step of the process is the making of the sphere as well as its stand, both of which are made from solid beech wood. Every piece is created to occupy ‘a volume’ in space.
The origins of Libe’s artistic designs stem from her intellectual background. She did not grow up on the path of an artist. Instead she studied classics as well as architecture at university, where she received her degree. Her works project a three-dimensional aspect, most perceptible on the spheres however is also clear on her canvas’ as she specifically chooses thick canvas’ to allow her art to flow off the sides.
CV
2010
May – June, Virtutis Museum Milan
December 2010 - January 2011, “Un alfabeto diverso”
( A different Alphabet ), Creative Council, Milan, presented by the prominent Contemporary Art Critic professor Carlo Franza , who has nominated Maura Zonta for the 23rd Premio delle Arti Premio della Cultura 2011.
2011
March – May, “Geometrie e allegorie” ( Geometries and Allegories ) , Centrale Ristotheatre, Rome
April – May, Mitti’s Studio, Milan
April, Albert Hotel, Milan
June, Art Metrò Gallery, Bologna
August, Madesimo (Sondrio)