L'Italo-Americano

L'Italo-Americano PAGE  16 THURS DAY,   JUNE  13,   2013 La Casa all'Italiana. Giò Ponti in L.A. AleSSANDRA MASTRoIANNI The global style of Giò Ponti, one of the Italian artists most loved in the US, will be on show in the Hollywood Hills, with unique works such as the "L.A. Cathedral" and a selection of vintage pieces of furniture and decorations. Photographer Renato D'Agostin captures the soul of the exhibit in a series of unique shots. "Make something wonderful" were Giò Ponti's words in 1933; words that inspired all his life and creativity. Ponti's multidimensional talent and endless curiosity can be seen in the variety of his interests and fields of activity: from architecture to decorative arts, from domestic design to painting, not to mention his role as successful creator and director of Domus Magazine. An incredible and versatile talent, admired and revered in the West Coast, but whose original works are not always accessible. In this framework, and in the context of "2013 Year of Italian Culture in the US", an exhibit of vintage pieces of furniture and decorations will be hosted, starting June 20, in the private residence of the Italian Consul General in Los Angeles Giuseppe Perrone, a 1960 construction transformed for the occasion in a Ponti-esque residence. Center-pieces of the show, organized in cooperation with the Giò Ponti Archives in Milan, will be two items directly related to Ponti's experience in California: the mock-up sculpture of an imaginary "Cathedral of Los Angeles" Ponti realized in 1967 and dedicated to his friends Charles and Ray Eames and the original sketches for a circular house in Marin County, California, a visionary project very emblematic of Ponti's artistic direction in his late years. The installation at the Consul General's residence, curated by Lon Hamaekers, will last 10 days and can be visited during special events or by appointment. It will showcase vintage original pieces illustrative of Ponti's long and prolific career from the 30s all the way to the 1970s. The idea, thanks to vintage examples on loan by US and Italian collections, is to recreate a "lived-in" environment, where Ponti objects make an integral part of modern living, perfectly compatible with daily use. The doors of the Consul General's residence will open for a selected public of Ponti admirers with an inaugural event, to be attended by personalities from One of Ponti's design pieces the world of arts, culture and entertainment. A specialized event for architects and designers will be held, always at the residence, in cooperation with AIA/LA (American Institute of Architects), ASID/LA (American Society of Interior Designers). For the occasion acclaimed photographer Renato D'Agostin created a special portfolio of images capturing "the soul" of the iconic pieces on view with a set of surreal and emotional shots highlighting Ponti's unparalleled genius and creativity. These pho- tographs are included in the catalog of the exhibition. The event is made possible by the cooperation with Molteni&C, Snaidero USA, and the National Italian American Foundation. Special thanks to Eccola (7408 Beverly Blvd), Morateur Gallery (735 N. La Cienega Blvd) and Christofle. At the same time, the Italian Cultural Institute, in the beautiful building designed by Robert Alexander in Westwood, will host the exhibition "Living alla Ponti. Giò Ponti Lifestyle"(June 18- July 30). The show is made of various panels telling – through letters, family photographs, and videos - the story of the Italian architect's life and creations. It will also feature examples of the new collection of Giò Ponti pieces of furniture re-released by Molteni. Exclusive visits to both installations are organized by Architecture Tours LA (www.architecturetoursla.com tel. 323 5784762). For additional information contact losangeles.stampa@esteri.it Federated Italo-Americans of Southern California members gather to celebrate Italian National Day AleSSANDRA MASTRoIANNI Federated Italo-Americans of Southern California, confederation of Italian groups, companies and Institutions of the area, celebrated the 67th Anniversary of the Republic of Italy with a special gala night at Casa Italiana, a landmark for many generations of Italians and Italy lovers. This year's gala was a special one. The 2013 in fact celebrates the Year of Italian Culture in the United States, as also Consul General Giuseppe Perrone underlined. Moreover, the gala was also the occasion to acknowledge the many groups that operate in Southern California and that contribute to the promotion and preservation of the Italian heritage. Representatives of associations, Federated President Ann Potenza companies and institutions gathered to share not only a moment of celebration, but the results of their efforts and commitment. Those leaders "dedicate many long hours keeping our Italian heritage alive" said Federated President Ann Potenza. "Most of these brothers and sisters don't ask for applause or a pat on the back for what they do, they do it because they are passionate about sharing the Italian culture and traditions, passing them on for future generations to enjoy." For this reason, she personally acknowledged and thank each of them for their job. And it is great to see how many they were, proud of representing their country and their traditions, trying to share their cultural heritage with the new generations. "Aware of the immense contribution of Italians living in the United States and of Americans of Italian descent," said Italian Ambassador Claudio Bisogniero on the occasion of the national celebrations, "I would therefore like to extend my sincerest "Grazie" and wish all of you a happy National Day!"

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