Kurt Wenner
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Kurt Wenner born in Ann Arbor, Michigan is an artist best known for his street painting and chalk murals using a projection called anamorphosis. These 3D chalk drawings on pavement have been featured in many newspapers and on several television shows.
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[edit] Career
Kurt Wenner produced his first commissioned mural at the age of sixteen and by seventeen was earning his living as a graphic artist. He attended both Rhode Island School of Design and Art Center College of Design. He was employed by NASA as an illustrator to create conceptual paintings of future space projects and extra-terrestrial landscapes. In 1982, he left NASA, sold all of his belongings, and moved to Italy to study art. Living in Rome, Wenner studied the masters and classical sculptures in the museums. In 1991, he was commissioned to create a piece to honor the visit of Pope John Paul II to the city of Mantua. The event was broadcast live on television throughout Italy.
[edit] Not just chalk
Wenner also creates public and private commissioned oil paintings and murals in the U.S. One of his largest U.S. murals (18' square) is located on Wilshire Boulevard in Westwood, California and appeared in the movie Sneakers. Another large mural titled The Magic Flute hangs in the current Fresno, California City Hall.
[edit] Media attention
Wenner's work has received lots of media attention. Newspaper and magazine articles have appeared in Italy, Germany, France, Switzerland, the United States, and Mexico. His artwork has been seen on ABC's World News Saturday, Good Morning America, and Pan Am and TWA's in-flight programs.
In 1987, Masterpieces in Chalk the National Geographic documentary featuring Wenner's work in Europe, won first place in the fine arts division at the New York Film Festival. In 1991, Swiss-German Television created a 45-minute documentary on his work in Italy, which aired in Switzerland and Germany. His work has also been seen world-wide on Televisa, the international Spanish broadcast station.
Wenner was asked to create a print ad for Absolut Vodka as part of its prestigious artist ad series. The ad, known as Absolut Wenner, began appearing in magazines in September 1996. Absolut Vodka also filmed the creation of Wenner's art for a television commercial.
[edit] Awards
In 1991, the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., honored him with a one-man show at the Center. He has also been awarded the Golden Bacchus from Barolo, the Golden Giotto from Milan, as well as several other awards.
