Hepplestone Fine Art are delighted to exclusively launch the work of Italian artist, Ivan Gozzi, in the UK.
Critically acclaimed with admirers including the late sculptor Henry Moore, Mr Gozzi has for many years painted a fantastic array of both surrealist and abstract paintings full of humour, fantasy and colour.
Born in Italy in 1937, Mr Gozzi spent many years as a professor of art at some of Italy's great art institutions including the Institute of Art "Venturi" in Modena and the Academy of Art in Verona.
During the 1970's, Mr Gozzi spent time living in the UK and working in many jobs to establish himself in the art world - his varied roles included Casino croupier and restaurant waiter. During this time he had many exhibitions which led to a friendship with the Atkinson Galleries Harry Ratcliffe. It was through Ratcliffe that Mr Gozzi was introduced to Henry Moore who spent time with the artist both admiring his art and debating religion. Henry Moore said of Mr Gozzi in 1978 that his quality of painting was very high, a fact that was evident from viewing his works. He likened Gozzi's work to Kandinsky but with more freedom of execution.
Other commentators of Mr Gozzi's work include Quentin Hughes, formerly of the University of Liverpool, who said "In Mr Gozzi's paintings there is always a beauty but a sad beauty of fading dreams, of the disillusion of autumn and the gripping fear as the long winter approaches".
With works hanging in many private collections and museums throughout Italy, we are delighted that Mr Gozzi has decided to now share his work with a wider audience and allow access in the UK to his fabulous original paintings.
