Art / Antonio Russo
‘Time is Precious’: Studio 74 exhibits work from the late Antonio Russo, aka Stony
The multi-award-winning artist Antonio Russo, aka Stony, passed away in June 2022, following a three-year battle with a glioblastoma brain tumour – mirroring his father’s passing in 2007.
During his illness, Russo participated in a clinical trial and received chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy, as well as having two surgical procedures. He also threw himself into raising money for The Brain Tumour Charity.
As an artist, Russo’s inspiration came very early on. He was both dyslexic and autistic, and found drawing and painting to be an important means of self-expression.
is needed now More than ever
Antonio Russo aka Stony
His work was featured at the Brain Tumour Charity’s inaugural exhibition, TIME, which took place in 2023 at London’s Business Design Centre, helping to raise awareness and funds in support of those affected by brain tumours.
For Russo’s family, the need to continue his work is vital. “It was important for Antonio that his artwork was seen,” says Sally Liddle, his partner.
Russo died of a glioblastoma brain tumour in 2022, following multiple medical interventions in the three years since he was diagnosed in 2019
“He was very passionate about people viewing his artwork and making an impact on the viewer, whether that was to influence, help or even just make people smile or laugh. He would always say and write things that others would think twice about saying.
“Because this was so important to him, we intend to make his paintings as accessible to everyone as possible. With his abstract artwork especially, he wanted to be on everything and everywhere!
Much of Stony’s work is characterised for its fine written details over an expressionist background
“Alongside the artwork, we are keen to keep raising money and awareness around brain cancer. Tony never went anywhere without his video camera. We have hours and hours of footage of him painting, making music and endless amounts of memories that we have been working through, and we have exciting plans to produce a documentary about his life and work.
And of course, there will be continue to be exhibitions with galleries and other partners across the globe”.
Stony: Time is Precious
The next of these events, entitled Time is Precious, will be opening at Bristol’s Studio 74 Gallery on March 27, coinciding with Brain Tumour Awareness Month.
The exhibition will include unseen works, a book launch, and the filming of a unique documentary that charts Russo’s legacy.
Russo standing in front of his work
Time is Precious: the Legacy of Antonio Russo is an open exhibition at Studio 74 Gallery from March 27-29, with a private view on March 27 (RSVP only). More information is available at www.studio74contemporaryart.com.
All photos: The Brain Tumour Charity
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