ITALIAN. B. 1965,1968
MIAZ BROTHERS
C
hallenging traditional notions of portraiture, the sibling duo Renato and Roberto Miaz present a radical new approach to the genre. Using layers of aerosol paint, the brothers create large format canvases that appear out of focus. The hazy renderings encourage the viewer to engage with the image, pushing the limits of perception and interpretation. With a diverse range of subjects, from portraits of people, to scenes and even iconic brand packaging, the creativity and ingenuity of the Miaz Brothers is limitless. Born in 1965 and 1968 respectively, the two brothers Renato and Roberto were raised in Milan, Italy. Both siblings were close from a young age, exploring artistic processes and embarking on creative adventures together. The duo both proceeded to study art and European design at university and were guided by similar principles. Wishing to take a more holistic approach to their training, the Miaz Brothers modelled their education on the training of Renaissance artists, focussing on travel, philosophy and studying a diverse range of practices. Their mutual eschewal of the gallery system and harmonious relationship made their decision to become a creative duo a natural and inevitable choice for their joint progression. Their first exhibition was in 1996 at the Viafarini Gallery in Milan. Focussing on visual interpretation and genetics, the installation not only signalled the beginning of a deep interrogation of visual perception for the artists but also marked the start of the Miaz Brothers trialling a plethora of different mediums. During this time period, the Miaz Brothers were regularly operating in unconventional venues alongside their gallery shows. Nightclubs and music events offered a more experimental approach to their practice and presented a diverse audience, allowing the brothers to hone their artistic
skills whilst exploring new digital innovations. Between 1996 and 2000, the brothers collaborated with an array of iconic brands, including Nike and Swatch watches. Following this and alongside the new millennium, the duo decided to make a change and moved to New York to further progress their careers. In the consequent years, the Miaz Brothers have continued to travel extensively, discovering new cultures in all the corners of the globe and expanding their practice in the process. In recent years, the Miaz Brothers have narrowed their diverse operation to focus on portrait painting, exploring the transitory nature of existence. Their blurred renderings of assorted characters provide viewers with an active visual experience that continues to mystify and amaze. Taking up residency in our Shepherd Market gallery for 2020, the Miaz Brothers are set to exhibit their latest body of work in an exciting solo exhibition at Maddox’s Mayfair Gallery in 2021.
AXIS AROUND THE ISLAND, 2020 Acrylic and Spray Paint on Canvas 140 x 189 cm
ANIMISMO, 2020 Acrylic and Spray Paint on Canvas 130 x 161 cm
MONA LISA, 2021 Acrylic and Spray Paint on Canvas 249 x 184 cm
AND ALL THE CONSEQUENCES, 2020 Acrylic and Spray Paint on Canvas 132 x 150 cm
MADONNA WITH CHILD, 2020 Acrylic and Spray Paint on Canvas 152 x 122 cm
PORTRAIT OF AN ARTIST, 2020 Acrylic and Spray Paint on Canvas 101 x 101 cm
THE JOURNEY, 2020 Acrylic and Spray Paint on Canvas 162 x 132 cm
GENTLEMAN IN WHITE, 2021 Acrylic and Spray Paint on Canvas 153 x 122 cm
‘Haziness can suggest the Past as much as the Future. It can lead to nostalgia and selfreflection, or inspire a sense of premonition in the bid to grasp the bigger picture.’ MIAZ BROTHERS
THE BLIND FOAM IN BETWEEN, 2020 Acrylic and Spray Paint on Canvas 162 x 138 cm
PORTRAIT OF A GENTLEMAN II, 2020 Acrylic and Spray Paint on Canvas 101 x 76 cm
THE GIRLFRIEND, 2020 Acrylic on Canvas 160 x 130 cm
SHEPHERD AND SAINTS, 2021 Acrylic and Spray Paint on Canvas 190 x 140 cm
AFTER THE FIGHT, 2017 Acrylic and Spray Paint on Canvas 122 x 92 cm
‘It is not possible to gaze passively. Instinctively, you level with what you see, moving closer or further aw manifest and thoughts start taking form, emotio
MIAZ BR
u are immediately prompted to engage on a physical way to decode what is before you. As memory begins to ons arise along with the possibility for reflection.’
ROTHERS
INFERENCE, 2020 Acrylic and Spray Paint on Canvas 162 x 130 cm
THE LADY IN BLACK, 2016 Acrylic and Spray Paint on Canvas 160 x 130 cm
THE COMMODORE, 2021 Acrylic on Canvas 102 x 76 cm
A CONCLUSION REACHED ON THE BASIS OF EVIDENCE AND REASON, 2020 Acrylic and Spray Paint on Canvas 162 x 130 cm
PORTRAIT OF A NOBLEMAN, 2021 Acrylic and Spray Paint on Canvas 153 x 122 cm
THE MARQUIS, 2021 Acrylic and Spray Paint on Canvas 122 x 91 cm
‘The choice of keeping the image out of focus has its roots in the endeavour to convey how everything is relative: it is not only a testament on how well we are truly able to see others, but also on how clearly we see ourselves.’ MIAZ BROTHERS
THE EFFULGENCE OF..., 2021 Acrylic and Spray Paint on Canvas 160 x 130 cm
UBIQUITOUS, 2021 Acrylic and Spray Paint on Canvas 160 x 130 cm
THE APPROACHING FLAME, 2021 Acrylic and Spray Paint on Canvas 250 x 115 cm
OLD MASTER ESSAY, 2020 Acrylic and Spray Paint on Canvas 130 x 101 cm
MADEMOISELLE, 2018 Acrylic and Spray Paint on Canvas 80 x 64 cm
FLOURISHING DECAY, 2020 Acrylic and Spray Paint on Canvas 162 x 130 cm
THERE’S MORE TO IT, 2020 Acrylic and Spray Paint on Canvas 99 x 194 cm
20TH MAY - 10TH JUNE 2021 MADDOX GALLERY, 9 MADDOX ST, LONDON W1S 2QE. www.maddoxgallery.com @maddoxgallery