Artist who painted the pope to launch new collection

AN artist who has painted Pope Francis is appearing at the Lemongrove Gallery in Henley next week.

Acclaimed as one of the world’s foremost figurative artists, Fabian Perez will be launching his new collection at the gallery in Duke Street on Thursday (November 17) from 7pm to 9pm.

Pasión brings together an expressive array of new original paintings and collectable canvases alongside a much-anticipated trio of inspirational bronze sculptures.

From solitary seductive women to a couple caught mid-step in a sensuous tango, these works share an intensity that can only be described as passion.

“Whether this is the passion of the individuals within the image or my own passion for the painting itself is perhaps irrelevant,” says Fabian. “What I hope is that others are able to feel the strength of emotion that I have experienced myself.”

Born in Buenos Aires, the artist departed from his usual subject matter when he painted his countryman Jorge Mario Bergoglio following the latter’s election as pope in March 2013.

Pope Francis is himself numbered among Fabian’s famous collectors, who include Sugar Ray Leonard, John Bishop, Lionel Messi and Rihanna.

In 2010 he was selected to paint the 2010 Winter Olympics and the 2012 Summer Olympics.

Lemongrove Gallery manager Joshua Marsh said: “Fabian has kindly agreed to personally dedicate any artwork which is purchased at this exciting event, which offers a rare opportunity to meet a star of the contemporary art world.”

For more information on Thursday’s event, which is part of a UK tour, visit www.
thelemongrovegallery.co.uk