It has been an exciting international exhibition in the Art Museum of Chianciano to which I was invited. In the land of the Museum was an old, shut-down hotel on the main concourse of the ancient town of Chianciano Terme, in the Italian province of Siena.

My Roberto Gagliardi, an Italian-born art dealer and collector based in London has taken the serious plan to renovate it and turn it to an art Museum where his art collections of Delacroix, Dalí, Goya and Rembrandt, as well as historical pieces from China’s Han Dynasty and ninth-century sculptural fragments from Afghanistan are kept for visitors to see. Our aim is to create active spectators,” Mr. Gagliardi said. “Art isn’t two-dimensional; it transmits emotion and moves the intellect.”

Mr. Gagliardi has organized The first Biennale of Chianciano 2009 and The art exhibition included 171 artists from all over the world including myself. It has been certainly, such a pleasure meeting Mr. Gagliardi and the whole family. Their friendly, warm welcome and generosity in hosting the exhibition was very extraordinary.

As Mr. Gagliardi has an art gallery in London and he aimed to select 30 artists to exhibit their artwork in 2010 in his gallery in Chelsea, London. I am delighted to be one of those artists and look forward to my exhibition next year.

I had a TV interview which has been posted by the Museum on YouTube on this link: My TV interview
The following link captures part of the Vernissage and Mr. Roberto Gagliardi, the owner of the art Museum at the Vernissage and a group interview including myself

As well, I have been honored to receive the following valuable comment on my painting “Blue shadows” by Dr. Josephine Scotti who is an Art Critic and Poet in Italy:

Gent., sono la Dott. Giuseppina Scotti, critico d'arte, che lei ha conosciuto a Chianciano e queste sono le mie brevi note sulla Mona’s pittura: "Cascate di ghiaccio.... -mari - di ghiaccio azzurrino si presentano al pubblico della Collettiva Internazionale all'Art Museum di Chianciano Terme (SI)- Italy, quando lo stesso scopre le opere di Mona Youssef.

La sua ricerca intensa rivela un modulo espressivo elegante, eppure disinvolto, immerso in quelle "spaccature" profonde, quei cilestrini che illuminano il cielo e l'artista si avvale di luci e ombre, che provocano giuochi d'ambiente soltanto apparentemente freddo, perchè pulsante di vita interiore. Il suo è un percorrere sottile, in equilibrio fra mente e anima, è assiduità di un'ispirazione che sembra oscillare fra sensibilità scenografica e un vortice di dimensioni meditative. Un incontro veramente piacevole e d'interesse quello con l'arte della Youssef. Dott. Giuseppina Scotti- Critico d'Arte e Poeta cell. 320 0143753. Piazza V. Gioberti 3- 58100 Grosseto Italy

Translation:
Gent. Are Dr. Josephine Scotti, art critic, she has been known in Chianciano and these are her brief notes on Mona’s painting "Ice-mari .... - ice blue are presented to the public of international collective Art Museum of Chianciano Terme (SI) - Italy, where the same, discover the works of Mona Youssef.

Her research reveals an intense form of expression elegant, yet casual, surrounded by those "cracks" deep, those that illuminate the light blue sky and the artist uses light and shadow, causing games apparently cold environment only, because button interior life. Her is a thin cover, in equilibrium between mind and spirit, is faithfully as an inspiration that seems to oscillate between sensitivity and a dramatic swirl of meditative dimension. Truly a pleasant and interest that with the art of Youssef. Dr. Josephine Scotti-Art Critic and Poet

Cell. 320 0143753.
Piazza V. Gioberti 3 to 58,100 Grosseto Italy

As well it has been a great pleasure meeting many good artists and enjoy viewing their artwork.The following are some photos of the exhibition:

Mr. & Mrs.Gagliardi & myself





























I wish all the winners (artists) the best and looking forwrad to meeting you in London.

Mona Youssef