Artist and florist collaborate with colourful results

Wow, these are just beautiful, aren’t they?

This is what happens when an artist (Alesandro Ljubicic) and a florist (Sean Cook of Mr. Cook) collaborate! Alesandro’s highly textured, abstract oil paintings on linen are inspired by Sean’s floral arrangements and a new exhibition (on now until 24 November) will also feature Sean’s floral installations. It promises to be stunning!

Alesandro is not yet 30 but has dedicated his whole life to his passion, art. He not only owns and runs one of the largest fine art supplies stores in Sydney, but is already highly awarded, and has had the opportunity to give awards while judging art prizes. Alesandro’s awards include Finalist in the Paddington Art Prize in 2009 and Finalist in the 2010 Doug Moran National Portrait Prize, the richest Australian portrait prize, and also the richest portrait prize in the world.

Alesandro works in an open plan studio, painting four to six paintings at once. He explains: “The main thing I’m interested in is, essentially, colour. The flowers are obviously important, but they are really just the starting point for something much broader that I’m really trying to communicate through my paintings. What interests me is how a painting can make you feel, and how colour can change our experience of things and how it can change our perception.”

Fellow Sydneysider and friend, Sean, inspires the beautiful still life paintings and he frequently supplies Alesandro with the flowers that he paints. For 20 years, Sean has created intriguing and inspired floral designs for private homes, restaurants, fashion shoots, corporate events and weddings with his signature organic luxe style.

What: An exhibition of paintings by Alesandro Ljubicic in collaboration with Mr. Cook

When: Until 24 November 2014

Where: Art2Muse Gallery, 357 New South head Road, Double Bay

Photography by Jacqui Turk.