Jasmine Kamante & Jesper Sundwall: Florence to Auckland

An exhibition by two local artists, opening Friday 13th and showing until August 7th.

Jasmine Kamante is a classically trained local artist who focuses on figurative narratives. Naturally drawn to drawing and painting figures at an early age, Jasmine, of Persian heritage, was discouraged from any creative pursuits for cultural and religious reasons. After an oppressive upbringing, Jasmine fled and created a new life for herself. A trained mathematician, she easily found work. However, she never forgot her real passion and soon undertook a Bachelor in Visual Arts. This sparked an intense desire to learn more and led her to study classical techniques in ateliers in Florence and Paris, before returning to Auckland with her husband Jesper Sundwall (whom she met in Florence).

Jesper Sundwall, originally from Stockholm, Sweden, studied at Parsons School of Design in Paris and New York, graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts with Honours. He designed for New York clients such as Rolling Stone Magazine, Sony and Korg for six years. During this time Jesper also studied at New York Art Academy. He went on to pursue his passion for art and hone his drawing and painting skills in a Florence atelier. After working and exhibiting in New York, Paris and Florence, he and Jasmine moved to Auckland.

Florence to Auckland, from July 14th to August 7th, showcases their works during this journey. It comprises accomplished, sensitive portraits, figure work, still lifes and a sneak preview of Jasmine’s new autobiographical works.