Press Releases
The Twins Appearing Twice at Lahaina Galleries Locations on Maui
Seamless Blend of Old World Sophistication with the Natural Feel of the Islands
Lahaina and Wailea, Maui, Hawaii (April 12, 2006)—Meet the Italian painter/crafter duo, The Twins (Alessio and Marcello Bugagiar), at Lahaina Galleries’ 828 Front Street gallery location in Lahaina Town during “Friday Night is Art Night” on Friday, April 21. Also, meet them again at the Lahaina Galleries’ south shore location in the upper level of The Shops at Wailea during “WOW! Wailea on Wednesdays” on April 26. Enjoy wine, pupus and conversation during both shows from 6:30 to 9:30pm.
The Twins are brothers who originally forged the concept of painting oil on the Hawaiian wood, koa, which unveils forms that exist naturally in the wood. For public inquiries regarding Lahaina Galleries, speak with a fine art consultant by calling (800) 228-2006. You can also visit www.lahainagalleries.com. Continue reading for further information about The Twins.
ABOUT THE TWINS
Existing in the folds of a colorful pareau, in the waves of reclining women’s loose hair, in the curves of an outrigger canoe hull, Koa wood is left unpainted and this careful selection of nature versus paint creates an interesting dynamic of ebb and flow throughout the work. Just as haute couture is said to lift mere clothing to fashion, it is said that The Twins elevate Koa wood to an art form. The Twins’ creative move towards Koa wood as canvas harkens back to their European training and their experience in restoring ancient artifacts. Alessio explains, “It is an extension of the historic painters of Italy, reinterpreted for contemporary Hawaiian art – all of which allows my modern paintings to feel timeless.”
The Twins are like two sides of the same coin, different and distinct from each other but with an indivisible connection (in part thanks to Nature). Working in tandem, The Twins create a balance of emotion and technique in their work that bespeaks teamwork and individual expertise. Alessio studied art at the prestigious Academia Belle Arti in Florence, Italy – a school that boasts Michelangelo as its first Director. The school instilled in Alessio a complete devotion to art through its intense training. The Twins have embodied their heritage in their signature, connecting both of their names to the ancient symbol for the city of Florence, a lily icon similar to fleur de lis. Marcello is the craftsman, known as l’artigiano, and brings his high energy and training in mathematics to bear on projects. Koa wood is a beautiful and challenging medium, requiring an engineer of Marcello’s level.
The Twins conceptualize the works together but have distinct responsibilities when putting ideas to practice. Marcello prepares the Koa wood for Alessio to paint. Afterwards, Marcello often applies the finishing touches such as gilt and framing, etc. The teamwork results in a seamless, classic blend of Old World sophistication with the natural feel of the Islands, depicted in the style of Romantic Realism. The Twins are present-day masters of fine art and craft linked through talent, experience and heritage to the heyday of the Italian Renaissance.
ABOUT LAHAINA GALLERIES
Lahaina Galleries has been serving art collectors and those who appreciate art on Maui for the last 30 years. Owners Jim and Nancy Killett invite everyone to visit and talk story and peruse the portfolio of fine art exhibited in their 828 Front Street gallery in Lahaina Town and The Shops at Wailea gallery on Maui’s southern shore in addition to one on the Big Island, and locations in California and Oregon. The Killetts state, “While the sign on the door may say ‘gallery,’ we are definitely in the people business.”
