Major exhibit for Italian surrealist and Pacific Beach resident Aladino Ghioni

One of Italy’s most respected living artists will be the subject of a major exhibition on March 19 in his adopted home of San Diego.

Aladino Ghioni, now 90 and living in Pacific Beach with his wife and daughter, is known for his expressive use of color, layered texture and surrealist interpretations of classical themes.

Ghioni’s work is on display in many of the world’s leading cultural institutions, and his paintings are held in the collections of prominent museums and cathedrals throughout Italy.

Notable paintings are in the Basilica of San Zeno in Verona, the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Assumption in Montecatini Terme, and the Duomo of San Lorenzo in Pescantina.

Throughout his distinguished career, Ghioni has earned numerous honors, including the Golden Palette in Milan, the Gold Medal of the Senate of the Republic in Rome, recognition from the American Embassy, and awards from art institutions throughout Italy and abroad.

In recent years, after moving to San Diego, he has focused primarily on personal portraiture and commissioned works for private collectors.

The free, public exhibition of 40 of his paintings is scheduled from noon to 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 19,  at the Petra Stone showroom at 5950 Nancy Ridge Dr., Suite 100.