Piero Clemente Garreffa is a first-generation Italian, raised on his family’s vineyard on the banks of the Murray River in Mildura, Victoria. As a child curious to discover what was “Italian”, Piero found inspiration in the story of Pinocchio, and the works of the Old Masters of Renaissance Italy, but equally, in his nonna’s art practice and the religious icons adorning her house. As a young artist, Piero spent the best part of a decade painting abroad, before returning to establish a vigorous studio practice in Fitzroy, Melbourne. His practice now revolves around themes of icons, identity, nostalgia and lineage, informed by the stories of his childhood and broader cultural heritage, and defined by a charming sense of naivety.
Having recently graduated with a Master of Fine Art at RMIT, Piero recently had a collection of artworks sell out on Sunday Salon and will show work in the Hall & Wilcox Art Prize exhibition. Piero has also exhibited as a finalist in the Paul Guest Prize at Bendigo Art Gallery and has participated in numerous group and solo shows.
Featured image: Piero Clemente Garreffa, Portrait of my mother on the mower, 2021. Acrylic on canvas, 137 x 101cm. Courtesy: the artist.