Speaking Through Colour: a Major Art Show at ‘Sotto il British’

The British Institute of Florence is spotlighting the works of Anglo-Florentine artist John Griffiths (1970 – 2015) in dialogue with pieces by leading female artists of American Abstract Expressionism from the Levett Collection. It features 11 of John’s paintings and five works by Elaine de Kooning, Pat Passlof, Audrey Flack, Ethel Schwabacher, and Joan Mitchell at Sotto il British (via Guicciardini 15) from March 7 to April 10.

The exhibition explores the impressive communication and emotions of art through a skilful use of colour.

Alessandra and Michael Griffiths, John’s parents, explained that”John was born in 1970 and has been considered disabled all his life. He resided at the European Therapeutic Centre, a community for the disabled near Florence, run by Franca Pratesi. While there, he was given a paintbrush by Stefano, one of the operators, which unleashed his artistic talent in full force, producing over 30 paintings which became increasingly abstract, of landscapes, animals, natural scenes, and family portraits. We are thrilled to share his extraordinary paintings with the knowledgeable and discerning Florentine public.”

Christian Levett, art collector, commented “When Alessandra and Michael came to me and showed me a catalogue of John’s work, suggesting that I set up a show for him, I was stunned and amazed by the transparency of the colours and the quality of the compositions. In seeing John’s art in person, I was not surprised to see his quality shine through his art. This exhibition is unique for its subject matter, compelling for its history, and visually stunning.”

Hours are Monday to Friday 2:30 to 6:30 pm and Saturday 10 am to 12:30 pm. Entrance will be free with donations going to CTE (European Therapeutic Centre), where John learned to paint. 

(Mina Lozanova)