Artists make a confession

Neil McLeod with Rabbits Have Lots of Sex; Priests Pray to Statues. 132399 Picture: ROB CAREW.

By KATH GANNAWAY

AN EXHIBITION of paintings by Felice Cipriani and Neil McLeod that opened at Burrinja in Upwey late last year is an exceptional collaboration of two unique talents.
The Confessional Box is a collection of new, abstract, collaborative paintings by Cipriani and McLeod, artists recognised as two of the real innovators in the world art scene.
The men have collaborated for the first time in a series of hand-painted photographs, drawings and paintings.
McLeod has used and evolved a unique technique in photography and in this exhibition Cipriani, an Italian-born artist, has used his amazing skills to paint over McLeod’s images, resulting in amazing beauty.
Many of the artworks will be shown in China during 2015 starting at Guan Shan Yue Art Museum in Shenzhen and followed by shows at Guangzhou University, then to Chongqing and Beijing.
During 2016 the exhibition will move to Russia.
McLeod said there is a serious side to the comedians in them.
“We have admiration for creativity at all levels and a profound dignity for artists worldwide,” he said as the works were hung ahead of the opening last week.
Yarra Ranges residents, and visitors, have a premier opportunity to view the works of these two acclaimed artists over December and January.
The Confessional Box is at Jambi Gallery, Burrinja in Upwey until 18 January.