ArtPh’s ‘Vespa History Online Exhibit’ celebrates iconic Italian scooter brand
The Philippine-based artist’s gallery and artist site ArtPh is hosting an online exhibit this month celebrating the history of the iconic Italian scooter brand and style icon, Vespa.
The Vespa History Online Exhibit is a collection of artwork by Michael Anthony Sagaran, a public relations marketing executive and award-winning hotelier with a passion for visual arts.
The series, created from 2020 to 2021 during the height of the pandemic, showcases the evolution of the Italian luxury scooter brand, beginning with the Vespa’s 1947 model, 98 II Serie, and ending with the 2021 Special 75th Anniversary GTS.
"From its early post-war models to the special edition celebrating its 75th year anniversary, Mike captures the Vespa scooters’ spirit of creativity in design, functionality and style in his artworks," according to Art Ph.
Sagaran, whose main artwork subjects range from landscapes, cityscapes and “products that have rich history” reveals that he’s a big fan of the Vespa scooter brand.
"From its being made in Italy—known for its Renaissance art, to Vespa’s rich history, dating back to the post war era. The product’s aesthetic brilliance and its relevance during global pivots like World War 2 and this ongoing pandemic inspired me to create a series of paintings featuring its evolution as a brand,” said the artist.
The Vespa History Exhibit is Sagaran’s first exhibit for ArtPhOnline. Aside from featuring Filipino artists, the online art site also makes their artwork available for sale (direct sales or auction) through their website.
Seven out of the nine acrylic on canvas art pieces measuring 19" x 25” are currently for sale for P20,000 each on the site. Two pieces (Sean Wothershpoon and GTS 75th Anniversary) are for exhibit only.
Vespa History Artwork series:
- Vespa 98 II Serie (1947)
- Vespa Circuito 125 (1949)
- Vespa 150 (1956)
- Vespa P125X (1978)
- Vespa PX150 (1981)
- Vespa Primavera 125 (2015)
- Vespa 946, Red limited edition (2017)
- Vespa Sean Wotherspoon (2021)
- Vespa GTS 75th Anniversary (2021)
According to the artist’s profile on ArtPH, Sagaran's early interest in drawing, which garnered him awards in various art competitions in high school, led him to take up a Fine Arts major in Advertising Arts at the University of Santo Tomas.
As a hotelier, Sagaran only resumed painting three years ago when his job in the corporate world brought him to the province and he found himself away from family and friends and the hubbub of the city.
"Finding himself itching to create and document the beauty of nature that now surrounded him, Mike picked up his brushes anew. He then participated in a group art exhibit in 2019."
Art and classic scooter enthusiasts can view the online exhibit and learn more about the featured artist on Artphonline.com.
(Images via ArtPhOnline.com)