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It's unmistakable. Gregori Chiaroni™ is very proud of his Italian-New Zealand heritage.
About the change, Chiaroni remarks, "The trademark was about making sure the name was carried on as there aren't that many of us in New Zealand. Also, it was a way of acknowledging my mother's side. In an already crowded art world, the distinct name helps set him apart from other artists. His great-grandfather, Mansueto Chiaroni, was proprietor of an art and framing business in Invercargill established soon after coming to New Zealand in the 1890's. His great uncle, likewise, set up an art gallery in Dunedin. With an Uncle and a cousin interested in art during Gregori's youth, perhaps it was a natural for him to pursue a BFA from Otago School of Fine Art. |
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Born in the "Southern-most city in the world", this Invercargill-born artist is equally proud of his Southern roots. Chiaroni says, "I loved growing up in Southland. My school life was amazingly good and I made the best friends. I love Southland and I am extremely proud of where I come from. The people there are the best you will meet anywhere. "I was blessed to have met my mentor and great friend there when I was a young man. His name is Johnny Penisula. He is the kindest, most humble man I know. I look up to him and I am heavily influenced by his work, although I express that influence on my work in my own way. He understands my work, he knows not to ask the usual silly questions, like who is that? Or, do you know that person? Instead he just looks and finds his own meaning. I will be forever grateful for the knowledge he has bestowed on me, and I will always cherish our friendship. Over the years we have become very close. When asked which other artists he admires, he responds, "all the New Zealand artists that are making a living as an artist, they are living the dream". When asked about a possible spiritual aspect to his work, because of the sensitively rendered image of Christ on his website, Gregori acknowledges, "My work is spiritual. I am a spiritual person. I'm not convinced in any one religion. I'm a free thinker and I respect everyone's right to believe in what ever they want. I believe in being a good person no matter what your religion or race." | |