Susan Kerr  at the 6^th International Biennale of Florence Dec 2007

Cyprus Artist Susan Kerr Joachim will exhibit her latest work at the 6^th International Biennale of Contemporary Art in Florence, Italy opening on 1^st December.

Susan Kerr, who has lived and worked in Cyprus for almost 40 years, has been selected by the Florence Biennale International Scientific Committee to participate in the 6^th International Biennale of Florence which will be held in the historic Fortezza da Basso from 1^st to 9^th December.

The Biennale in collaboration with the United Nations, officially participates in the ‘Dialogue Between Civilizations’ program, putting into practice the thoughts expressed by former UN Secretary General. The Biennale is honoured to have the High Patronage of the President of the Italian Republic, the Patronage of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and of the Region of Tuscany, the Province of Florence and the Council of Florence.

The 2007 Biennale has selected artists within the categories of painting – in which Susan Kerr will participate; also sculpture, graphics, mixed media, installations, photography and digital art.

According to views expressed by many participants, the Biennale is most democratic and favours the meeting of artists from all over the world who gather together in Florence for this event.

London born Susan Kerr studied painting and graphic arts at Bath Academy of Art UK. [NDD and at Leicester College of Art [ATD] UK

Married to well known Cyprus Artist, Costas Joachim,  Susan Kerr came to Cyprus in 1966. She settled in Bellapais, and acquired Cyprus Citizenship. Became member of the Cyprus Chamber of Fine Arts [EKATE], when it was founded.

In Bellapais, birthplace of Joachim, together they established their Studio and Gallery in 1972 and remained until 1974 when forced to leave. Lived and worked in London and Athens until 1977 when they returned to Cyprus where they continue to work in Nicosia. Has taught art at the American International School in Cyprus from 1987.

Susan Kerr’s first solo exhibition was at the Hilton in 1969 and she has subsequently held eleven more solo exhibitions, including two in Germany. She has participated in several important exhibitions such as:

‘Revolutions’ 1950-1970 in 1997 with British artists at the Arts Centre Nicosia
Millennium exhibition Nicosia 2001
‘Cyprus Artists’ 1960-74 Arts Centre Nicosia 2002
18^th  International Exhibition Omma Gallery, Crete 2003
Participation in the 6^th Biennale of Florence from 1^st December 2007

…‘In these paintings of the Cosmos, there has been an investigation into the most essential elements which lie in the qualities of light, colour and abstraction from natural phenomena. A long lasting interest in the Cosmos and the mysteries of the Universe has evolved into these latest works on the theme of ‘nebulae- a search for the origins of life’…. [Susan Kerr 2007]

"Nebula I"	"Nebula II"	"Nebula III"
2005	2006	2006
Oil on canvas	Oil on canvas	Oil on canvas
100 x 100 cm	100 x 100 cm	100 x 100 cm
"Starburst"	"Nebulous Cloud I"
2004	2004

Florence Biennale Dec. 2007

The International Biennale of Contemporary Art in Florence took place from 1^st December to 9th December 2007, with great success.

Susan Kerr Joachim took part in the recent Biennale among 840 artists from all over the world.

Susan Kerr, who has been painting in Cyprus for the past 40 years , showed three of her most substantial works  entitled ‘Nebula’. These works are based on an investigation into colour and space, with special reference to a search for the origins of life within the nebulae. We all come from the stars and these paintings are intended to explore the cosmic space from which all existence originates.

These paintings created considerable interest and favourable comments.

The exhibition itself, in one vast exhibition hall at the historic Fortezza Da Basso in Florence, held exhibits from a great variety of artists, painters, sculptors, photographers, ceramists, etc.from  seventy six countries - from Canada to New Zealand.

The exhibition was opened under the High Patronage of the President of the Italian Republic, the Patronage of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Presidents of the Region of Tuscany, the Province of Florence and the Council of Florence.

Also present were the President and Vice President of the Biennale and the honourable Jury of the Exhibition.

The opening started with a procession of Medieval Guards around the whole exhibition, followed by the opening speeches. The artistic works were on display to the public for nine days, during which more than seventeen thousand visitors came to the exhibition. In addition, most of the artists and their companions were present, and this was a wonderful opportunity for them to meet and exchange ideas from all over the World.

Susan Kerr at her exhibition site.