Australian Creatives Present A Breathtaking Exhibition In Florence

At a private, 16th century palace in Florence, Italy, a group of Australian creatives have come together to showcase their work in a a multi-sensory installation.

Curated by Australian artist and designer Aneka Manners, over two weeks the exhibition showcases works from a diverse collective of creatives, including florist, artist and doctor of philosophy Doctor Cooper; producer and vocalist CLAUDIO; cinematographer Alice Stephens; conceptual photographer Lilli Waters and the curator herself. Intrigued? Us too!

Written

Sally Tabart

The 16th century Palazzo Pandolfini in Florence. Photo – Lilli Waters.

Floral installation work by Doctor Cooper. Photo – Lilli Waters.

The two-week exhibition features numerous Australian creatives. Photo – Lilli Waters.

The exhibition has been curated by Aneka Manners. Photo – Lilli Waters.

The exhibition is centred around the beauty and transience of landscape. Photo – Lilli Waters.

The private palazzo plays host to this two-week exhibition. Photo – Lilli Waters.

Doctor Cooper’s ephemeral work. Photo – Lilli Waters.

Lilli Waters’ photographs in The Luxury Of Landscape. Photo – Lilli Waters.

Writer

Sally Tabart

13th of October 2018

Curated by artist and designer Aneka Manners, The Luxury Of Landscape brings together an eclectic lineup of Australian creatives in a celebration of art, fashion and the human condition. Set against the magnificent backdrop of the Palazzo Pandolfini, a 16th century private Italian palace Florence, which is usually closed to the public. The multi-disciplinary exhibition is ‘centred around the beauty and transience of landscape’, explains Lilli Waters, Melbourne-based photographer and exhibitor.

Lilli’s photos of fantastical scenes featuring female forms engaged with the landscape are simultaneously delicate and powerful, evoking images of paintings by the European masters. Her works are modern in medium, yet seem right at home in the historical location. ‘The juxtaposition of the contemporary with the ancient has proved a beautiful combination,’ Lilli explained.

Alongside Lilli’s arresting photography sits the works of florist, artist, author and Doctor of philosophy, Dr Lisa Cooper (aka Doctor Cooper). Bringing a collection of conceptual botanical installations to The Luxury Of Landscape, Doctor Cooper’s ephemeral work will decay throughout the two week show.

Artist, designer and managing director at NAB (yes!) Aneka Manners is the raison d’être for this Florentine affair. Curating the entire event and commissioning works especially for the occasion, The Luxury Of Landscape is Aneka’s fully realised vision.

As well as creating the concept for the exhibition, Aneka brings her limited-edition fashion range from her eponymous brand launched last year, as well as a fine jewellery collaboration with Kailis Pearls. In addition to the artwork on exhibition for the two-week duration, Aneka has also invited creatives to design specific, one-off events, including a sound and light experience by producer and vocalist CLAUDIO, an intimate long-table lunch by Michelin star chefs coupled with rare wines, and a tasting night showcasing the diversity of Tuscan gin.

The Luxury Of Landscape
Curated by Aneka Manners
October 4th–18th
Palazzo Pandolfini
Florence, Italy