Monday, June 20, 2011

Oprah's body wanted for real flesh painting, by Davin McCowen - St George and Sutherland Shire Leader - 13th November 2010



A Sydney body painter hoping to tempt US television host Oprah Winfrey into serving as a live "canvas" has refined her art with the help of a Kogarah family.

Blakehurst Public School pupils Tommy and Micky Grujevski were among six children who took part in a campaign aimed at winning the attention of the world's most powerful celebrity.

Body painter Eva Rinaldi and photographer Roberto Duran directed the Children Help Poverty exhibition, which will show work at the Pine Street Gallery at Chippendale.

Ms Rinaldi, of Waverton, hopes to adorn Oprah's form with images of Australia when the talk show host visits Sydney next month.

"Today was certainly a highlight in our year that included hundreds of exhibits, and we all can't wait to do more," she said.

"We were fortunate enough to work with famed photographer Roberto Duran again, and there's no doubt Roberto's magic with the lens and children helps us all maintain a world-class production."

The exhibition will feature several other body-painting themes inspired by musicians and sport stars. Micky's rock-star image will be displayed alongside quotes from U2 frontman Bono.

His mother Lila Ilioska said the works were designed to raise awareness for underprivileged children.

"There was a theme to it to raise awareness about being who you want to be," Ms Ilioska said. "My youngest son Tommy also posed camouflaged on a graffiti wall to get a message out there for children who need to know they can be who they want to be.

"It's also part of the Oprah Winfrey thing, so [Rinaldi] can show her what she can do." (Credit: St George & Sutherland Shire Leader)


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