Opening Saturday, Nov. 21 is a wild Vernissage – a celebration of a completed artwork – presenting the world premiere of “On Anita Peghini-Räber’s Art.” Displayed as never before, Peghini-Räber’s paintings are the inspiration for dance, music and poetry in a spiritually moving and innovative artistic experience that composer Guillermo Silveira refers to as a videOpera.
Peghini-Räber’s paintings in the style of naturalistic expressionism elicited a strong response from Silveira and other artists who express themselves with voice, dance, percussion, electronic sounds, natural sounds, poetry and video. Whether depicting portraits, landscapes or human figures, her paintings, vibrant and animated, express sheer joy with life.
“It is rare for the paintings of an artist to elicit so strong a creative response and commitment from other members of our artistic community. It is the passion,” said Silveira.
Peghini-Räber’s journey as an artist took her from Zurich and Geneva, Switzerland to the Cote d’Azur and Paris, France. In the United States, her path took her from Philadelphia to Washington, D.C., and finally to Rehoboth Beach where her artistic vision was realized. Recognized with a slew of coveted East Coast solo exhibitions and awards, Peghini-Räber is happy.
Musician and poet Silveira also has enjoyed an international artistic path. He has composed hundreds of cantatas, operas, symphonies and other musical works. His compositions and performances, including that in recognition of the names appearing upon the AIDS Wall of Healing and Remembrance and his Music for Peace in the wake of Hurricane Katrina have touched members of the Cape Henlopen region for many years.
Joining Peghini-Räber and Silveira are cinematographer Jon Newsome, percussionist John Matthews, dancer Viviana Matthews and seven children. Though the musical configurations and rhythms are complex, the overall effect is one of pleasant melody and song. Simple materials and instruments that include Swiss cowbells, a Jacob’s ladder, a Japanese gong, Middle Eastern Dumbek drum and wind chimes, combine with natural sounds including those of gulls, water, shells and wood.
At one point in the presentation Viviana dances, mirroring the subject of a painting, in a surreal exercise that makes it appear as if the painting is coming alive, emerging from the canvas, returning to basics to the primordial beat of drums. Reflections of light refracted through dancer’s silk and Mylar make one feel surrounded by water in sunlight. The experience is one of beauty.
The unique space provided by CAMP Rehoboth is perfectly suited to the transforming presentation that surrounds viewers with art. Enjoyable, refreshing and replete with humor, the videOpera will appeal to an audience of all ages.
Two of Peghini-Räber’s paintings will be offered at silent auction during the event. They may be viewed at rehobothart.com. Proceeds will benefit CAMP Rehoboth.
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