South Florida Symphony presents Laurence Gartel: The European Collection

Saturday, December 21st from 6-8pm experience the Opening of ‘The European Collection‘ at the South Florida Symphony in Wilton Manors, featuring “The Father of Digital Art” Laurence Gartel. The South Florida Symphony is pleased to announce selected works of Digital Media Pioneer Laurence Gartel which have been in Europe for decades return to South Florida. Mr. Gartel’s work, revered in Austria, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Switzerland, seen in countless exhibitions have returned to his home state of Florida. The opening reception coincides with the upcoming Wilton Manors Art Walk, which takes place on the third Saturday of every month from 5-8pm. This exhibition opening is Free to Attend & Open to the Public.

“The timing was right to present this unique collection of works at the offices of South Florida Symphony,” here in Wilton Manors, says Development Officer Mark Nedlin. “Gartel’s unique vision utilizing technology as a creative tool, inspires everyone.” Maestra Sebrina Alfonso. “The Symphony is collaborating on several future projects with Laurence, and we are all very excited,” states Board Chairman Chuck Lane. “To think that the works being shown have not been in this country for decades is a real thrill. To have living legend amongst us, truly adds a level of high Art to our community,” declares Jacqueline Lorber, President/CEO. Laurence himself has said of this body of work, “It is always good to be home!”

Laurence Gartel is known to the world as the “FATHER” of Digital Art for over 40-years. His career started working side by side with video guru Nam June Paik at Media Study/Buffalo in upstate New York. He taught Andy Warhol how to use the Amiga Computer in order to produce the album cover for Debbie Harry (Blondie). Growing up in New York City during the Punk Rock era he was friends with Stiv Bators, Sid Vicious, Joey Ramone, Wendy O. Williams, and exhibited his work with Robert Mapplethorpe. Creating Digital Art before the birth of the personal computer his work has been exhibited with the Museum of Modern Art, Long Beach Museum of Art, Princeton Art Museum, Norton Museum of Art as well as included in the permanent collections of the Smithsonian Institution’s Museum of American History, Bibliothque Nationale Paris and Victoria and Albert (V&A) Museum, London. Gartel received the FotoMentor Lifetime Achievement Award from the Palm Beach Photographic Center in 2009. Gartel has traveled the world exhibiting and projecting his work in Australia, Spain, Germany, Italy, as well as going to India, creating a Bollywood Music/Video for Universal Entertainment. He has been commissioned to produce artwork on Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, Red Hot Chili Peppers, as well as for corporations such as Coca Cola, Philip Morris, Walt Disney, National Basketball Association, Gibson Guitars, Bang & Olufsen, and known to most for his ABSOLUT GARTEL ad for Absolut Vodka.