Cholla's behaviour  (watch a part of the VIDEO) is considered "of scientific interest" by the ethologist Mainardi, who writes about Cholla in his new book "The Intelligence of Animals": "I admired Cholla in some videos. He picked up the brush and spontaneously began drawing his signs. His most astonishing behaviour is shown in a sequence when at first he experiences some difficulties in holding the brush with his mouth, then spontaneously begins to move the brush using his tongue and teeth, until he succeedes reaching the desidered position; only at this point he starts working at his painting. Believe me, this behavious is not a little thing. It seems to show consciousness and intention, because the horse acts without any obligation. He does it because - this is what it seems - he wants to do it. Cholla does not behave like a trained animal, and so also his owner states. Maybe it all started as a playful moment. Cholla, most of all if you compare it to many other badly kept horses, can be considered a happy horse, in his special way. And this, at least for me, is important. His story could be very similar to the painting chimp's".

Giudecca 795 Art Gallery  at Art Fair in Open City (Art-O'), Palazzo dei Congressi, Roma Eur 3-5 Aprile 2009 - stand 41 "Atrio dell'Arte".

Giudecca 795 art gallery takes part to the international Art Fair in Open City (Art-O', Palazzo dei Congressi Roma Eur, 3-5 April 2009) with a selection of artists expressing unconventional experiences and projects, including the painting horse, Cholla - internationally known after winning a mention d'honneur at a painting prize. The gallery's mission to promote new talents and unusual stories along with renowned artists and there's much to see: from the rediscovered art of the fishermen who used to paint their sails using bright colors and sea water, to the art of assembling materials "speaking" different languages, like Russian porcelain and local plastic and glass, or juta matched with resin and gold-leaf; a hommage to old mosaics, but in wood; and much more. A particular place is reserved to fragments of a huge photo archive of memory, from the Fifties to nowadays (Arici), wih the rare images of Warhol, Dalì, Fontana and many other artists and celebrities working or simply having a great time in Venice.

The Art-O' stand is also the preview of a most special show: the works by Cholla, a mustang-quarterhorse mix who lives in Nevada and paints by holding the brush in his mouth. Cholla's paintings have been featured in art exhibits in the US and now, overseas. From 24 April to 15 June 2009, 30 watercolours by Cholla will be exclusively shown in Venice at the Giudecca 795 Art Gallery, which is planning other exhibits of Cholla's works around the world. Internationally, he is already  considered one of the four most sought after animal artists,and he already received a "mention d'honneur" (Congo the chimpanzee from the '50s whose paintings are now sold at the same sales as those of Andy Warhol, is slightly ahead). Is this art? It's an open discussion.

Cholla has already his collectors. Ironic and witty, the Giudecca 795 gallerists are proud to present Cholla together with their real and amused human artists, with artworks by: Archivio Arici, Baccanti, Kristina Bastian, Basfi, Berico, Paola Grizi, Jonathan Guaitamacchi, Benny Katz, James King, Liviero, Mizo, Ugo Nespolo, Marcelle Ottier, Alberto Pasqual, Luciano Pasquini, Silviya Radeva, Tatyana Zhurkov.

Among the other artists in the gallery: Batich, Brindisi, Campanelli, Cascella, Crippa, De Boni, Deandrea, Failla, Imhoff, Malvezzi, Meister, Monti, Morandini, Sambo, Tadini.

Giudecca 795 is an innovative place for art and culture in Venice. The permanent modern and contemporary art gallery hosts exhibitions of masters, renowned artists and young talents who want a chance of international visibility. The island of Giudecca in Venice is now experiencing a rapid cultural and quality urban redevelopment. Giudecca 795, which does indicate the address of the center, enjoys a privileged location: in a sixteenth century palace, few meters from Hilton Molino Stucky and Harry's Dolci by Arrigo Cipriani, along the panoramic Giudecca Canal. The unique location, an interesting selection of artists and a pricing policy encouraging collectors, are making Giudecca 795 a reference point for art lovers and a must see when in Venice.

Special hotel fares -- to be published shortly --  from 24 April to 15 June 2009  on the occasion of the Giudecca 795 Art Gallery's exhibit "Cholla the painting horse" will be available at Molino Stucky Hilton Venice Hotel

  • ArtO', International Art Fair in Open City (Palazzo dei Congressi, Piazza John Kennedy 1, Rome Eur) can be eaily reached - also by car - from the two Rome airports and the highway autostrada A1; it is 15 minutes from the Stazione Termini railway station. A shuttle bus service is provided from the city center (Palazzo Venezia) to the Fair, from 10.30 am to 7.30 pm (one per hour). Vernissage by invitation only: 2nd April from 9.30 pm to midnight. The fair is open to public from 3 to 5 April 2009, from 11 am to 9 pm. Website: www.art-o.org

 

Giudecca795 Art Gallery, Fondamenta S.Biagio 795 - 30133 Venezia - Tel (+39) 3408798327 - website: www.giudecca795.com