Artist Biagio “Gino” Civale Gifts Mural to New York Medical College
Yonkers-based Artist Donates Mural of Tibbetts Park to College
The New York Medical College (NYMC) community buzzed with excitement inside the café in the Basic Sciences Building on July 19 as the abstract mixed media mural from the 1980s, titled “Strolling Through Tibbetts Park in Yonkers,” remained hidden behind a black curtain waiting to be unveiled. Yonkers-based artist Biagio “Gino” Civale gifted the artwork to the College for students to appreciate art as they study for their careers in the sciences.
The painting, which displays the changing of trees through the seasons, was created by the well-established artist, who was born in Rome, Italy in 1935. Civale’s art career, which began at 15 years old, continues today, 72 years later. He attended art academies all over the world in Rome, Florence, Paris and Sardinia, as well as at New York University and the State University of New York at Purchase. In 1977, Civale moved to Yonkers and became well acquainted with political leaders in the country. He visited often with Yonkers Mayor Michael Spano and his family and also met other political leaders, including former President George Bush Sr.
Throughout his career, Civale had more than 60 solo exhibits and more than 200 group shows worldwide and has donated approximately 300 pieces of art. His work has been displayed in Yonkers City Hall, libraries, galleries, exhibits, colleges - and now at NYMC.
“Some universities have departments of art, art history, visual arts and museums, which fulfill their academic mission, but we don't,” said Edward C. Halperin, M.D., M.A., chancellor and chief executive officer, who explained the importance of art in an academic environment. “Some things just are and it's not what it means. It's what is it. How do you react to it? How does it make you feel? What emotions does it evoke? And that's why we need art in the world.”
Civale was introduced to the College by Dee Delbello, a member of the Board of Trustees at NYMC. He had heard that the College was decorated with scientific artifacts, but not abstract art, so he decided to change that.
“I hope people appreciate nature and the beauty of living on Earth. I hope it stimulates the curiosity of trying to understand something, even an abstract shape,” said Civale.