Category Archives: Exhibitions

Hundreds Attend Exhibition of Internationally Acclaimed Artist Mateo Blanco at The Butler Institute of American Art

Mateo Blanco, Photo by Juan David Tena

Hundreds of art enthusiasts have gathered at The Butler Institute of American Art to witness the captivating exhibition of internationally acclaimed artist Mateo Blanco. Known for his innovative use of materials and thought-provoking works, Blanco’s latest collection, which features striking interpretations of the American flag, has drawn widespread attention.

The exhibition, running from September 29 to December 1, celebrates the diversity and unity that define America, inviting viewers to reflect on the essence of identity, heritage, and patriotism. Visitors have been eager to experience the artistry of Blanco, whose work transcends traditional boundaries.

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Mateo Blanco explained the significance of these works: “All of us have different colors inside or outside. We can change a color or a shape, but the magic and essence remain intact. It doesn’t matter what color or shape; it will always be recognizable. We have different colors of skin, hair, or even spirit, but all of us are Americans. The external differences hide what we are on the inside. I cherish my Colombian roots, but I deeply love my new homeland. It’s our differences that make the United States so powerful, unique, and rich. These paintings are my song to The Star-Spangled Banner and my personal homage to the American coat of arms above the bald eagle, E pluribus unum. Yes, all of us are one. Like the many versions of the American flag, we cannot change the essence: the elements, the symbol, and its unique beauty and power.”

American flag art by Mateo Blanco
© Mateo Blanco

The exhibition also includes a portrait of Blanco with former United States President George H.W. Bush, a photo taken by First Lady Barbara Bush.

Mateo Blanco is known for his use of unusual materials to create his works of art, which are displayed in galleries worldwide. He has always been fascinated by the glamorous Hollywood stars and the heroic or funny characters in comics. “When creating their portraits, I don’t just think of how they look but of the deeper meaning—how people will feel when they see or purchase my art, as if they were part of a story,” said Blanco.

Mateo Blanco, Photo by Juan David Tena
Mateo Blanco, Photo by Juan David Tena

Blanco is a Colombian-American and has been a resident of Florida for many years. His formal training began in Medellín, Colombia, under Débora Arango (1907–2005), the provocative painter and ceramist known for her politically charged portrayals and controversial depictions of nude female figures.

Blanco studied at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, and two of his works are now part of the permanent collection of the Boca Raton Museum of Art. In addition to painting, Blanco is a gifted goldsmith, jeweler, and opera singer. Several years ago, he performed at a celebration for President George H.W. Bush’s birthday.

To view Blanco’s art and other projects, visit www.artsy.net/artist/mateo-blanco.

American flag art by Mateo Blanco
© Mateo Blanco

About Mateo Blanco


Mateo Blanco was born in Miami in 1981 and began his formal training in fine art in Medellín, Colombia, where he studied under Débora Arango Pérez, the artist immortalized on the country’s 2,000-peso bill. In addition to his studies in art, Blanco trained in goldsmithing and jewelry design.

He holds a B.A. from Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, FL, and is also a talented opera performer, having sung for President George H.W. Bush in 2003. Mateo Blanco is represented by the Rosenbaum Contemporary gallery, located in Boca Raton and Palm Beach. For more information or inquiries, visit his Instagram @mateoblancoart.

Mateo Blanco, Photo by Juan David Tena
Mateo Blanco, Photo by Juan David Tena

About The Butler Institute of American Art


The Butler Institute of American Art is a non-profit art museum that provides art classes, tours, events, and world-class exhibitions. Known as “America’s Museum,” the Butler Institute is devoted to celebrating America’s visual arts heritage. Founded in 1919, it is one of the earliest museums dedicated exclusively to collecting, exhibiting, and preserving American art.

The Butler Institute promotes aesthetic values in the visual arts by fostering an appreciation for the contributions of American artists, both historical and contemporary, in a wide range of two- and three-dimensional mediums. The museum also offers quality educational programming for the community, including instruction in the creation of visual art. Admission is free and open to the public.


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Boca Raton Museum of Art Presents a Special Presentation & Workshop on American Flags by Mateo Blanco


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Ancient and Contemporary Japanese Kites Take Flight in Italy for ‘One Sky One World’ Peace Festival

Japanese Kite | ARTEVENTO

The internationally renowned ARTEVENTO Festival, the world’s longest-running kite festival, is making its vibrant return to Cervia, Italy, from October 11 to 22, 2024. This year’s autumn event, One Sky One World – Festival of Kites for Peace, promises to deliver a captivating 12-day celebration, blending the artistry of kite flying with a rich array of cultural and educational activities.

The festival’s special highlight for 2024 is the exhibition Around the World in 80 Kites – Japan Special, a tribute to Japan’s rich kite-making heritage and a testament to ARTEVENTO’s enduring global cultural significance.

ARTEVENTO – Aquilone Aristide Prandelli – Photo by Wolfgang Bieck

The festival’s centerpiece, hosted at the historic Magazzino del Sale Torre, will feature an unprecedented exhibition dedicated to both ancient and contemporary Japanese kites. Organized under the sponsorship of the Italian Ministry of Culture, the Japanese Institute of Culture in Italy, and the AIMSC (Italian Association of Printing and Paper Museums), the event underscores ARTEVENTO’s long-standing role in promoting kites as an “intangible heritage of humanity.”

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This year’s festival is especially significant, marking the twinning of ARTEVENTO’s Kite Museum with the Tako no Hakubutsukan Museum in Tokyo. This cultural partnership celebrates the acquisition of a unique collection of traditional Nagoya kites, a rare gift from Japanese kite master Masaaki Sato.

His distinctive “koryu dako” kite, crafted in the shape of an insect, exemplifies the fusion of art and environmental symbolism, reflecting themes of biodiversity and sustainability. This rare collection, originally destined for Nagoya, will now find a permanent home in Europe thanks to the passion and dedication of ARTEVENTO’s artistic director, Caterina Capelli.

Traditional Nagoya Kites by Masaaki Sato

Additionally, the festival will feature over 20 works donated by Masaaki Modegi, President of the Japan Kite Association and Director of the Tokyo Kite Museum. These significant contributions, along with works from other masters, will be exhibited in the evocative setting of the Magazzino del Sale, further cementing ARTEVENTO’s role as a global hub for kite culture and artistry.

The exhibition will also explore Japan’s centuries-old kite traditions, focusing on the craftsmanship and philosophy behind kite-making. Visitors will gain insight into the materials, such as bamboo and washi paper, that are central to this ancient practice. The exhibition, which emphasizes environmental sustainability, is designed to be an educational experience, with plans to become a touring showcase for broader international audiences.

Japanese Kite | ARTEVENTO

Beyond the exhibition, the festival is brimming with activities. A key highlight will be the Parade for Peace on October 13, organized in partnership with the PerugiAssisi Foundation. This event aligns with ARTEVENTO’s recent commitment to the global peace movement, encouraging collective creativity and community action around the theme of kites as symbols of peace, freedom, and environmental stewardship.

Japanese Kite | ARTEVENTO

The festival, open to the public with free admission, promises an immersive experience for all ages, combining artistry, heritage, and a powerful message of global unity. For more information on workshops, guided tours, and the festival’s complete schedule, visit www.artevento.com


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Story submitted by Culturalia. The World Art News (WAN) is not liable for the content of this publication. All statements and views expressed herein are opinions only. Act at your own risk. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission. © The World Art News

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