Thaddaeus Ropac, a prominent art dealer, has opened a new gallery in Milan, Italy. This marks the seventh location for the Thaddaeus Ropac network. The new venue is situated within the historic 18th-century Palazzo Belgioioso, a significant architectural landmark in the city. The inaugural exhibition, titled 'L'aurore viene,' features works by renowned artists Georg Baselitz and Lucio Fontana, highlighting a crucial expansion for the gallery into the Italian art scene.
Key Takeaways
- Thaddaeus Ropac opened its seventh gallery in Milan, Italy.
- The new location is in the historic Palazzo Belgioioso.
- The inaugural exhibition features works by Georg Baselitz and Lucio Fontana.
- This expansion strengthens Ropac's presence in Europe.
Thaddaeus Ropac Expands European Footprint
The decision to open a gallery in Italy reflects a strategic move by Thaddaeus Ropac. The gallery owner stated that Italy was a missing piece in their European network. Milan, often called Europe's crossroads, holds a central position in the continent's cultural landscape. Italy has historically influenced art evolution, with many modern art movements originating there.
"We increasingly felt Italy was missing from our constellation of European galleries, since it has always been important to how we have grown internationally and to our artists," Ropac said. "Milan is at Europe’s crossroads, with Italy the continent’s heartbeat. The country has profoundly shaped the evolution of art through the ages, and it’s where crucial modern art movements were conceived."
This expansion complements Ropac's existing galleries in major art centers. These include London, Paris, Salzburg, and Seoul. The Milan location solidifies the gallery's international standing.
Location in Historic Palazzo Belgioioso
The new contemporary art venue occupies two grand rooms within the Palazzo Belgioioso. This neoclassical palace dates back to 1781. It stands opposite the former residence of Italian poet and novelist Alessandro Manzoni. The space retains its original architectural features, including terrazzo floors, tall windows, and baroque details. The antique cornicing is particularly notable, adding to the historic ambiance.
Fact File: Palazzo Belgioioso
- Built: 1781
- Architectural Style: Neoclassical
- Location: Milan, Italy
- Notable Features: Original terrazzo floors, tall windows, baroque details, antique cornicing.
The gallery spans 280 square meters on the first floor of the palazzo. This area underwent a significant refresh, building on a 1991 restoration. Milanese architect Umberto Dubini and interior designer Melzi d’Eril oversaw the recent renovation work. Their efforts preserved the historical integrity while adapting the space for modern art exhibitions.
Inaugural Exhibition: 'L'aurore viene'
The new gallery's inaugural exhibition is titled 'L'aurore viene.' It features a compelling dialogue between two significant artists: Georg Baselitz and Lucio Fontana. The exhibition showcases paintings and sculptures by Georg Baselitz. It also includes a selection of works by Lucio Fontana, created between the 1930s and 1960s. These Fontana pieces include loans from the Fondazione Lucio Fontana.
About the Artists
Georg Baselitz (born 1938) is a German artist known for his inverted paintings and sculptures. He is a key figure in German Neo-Expressionism.
Lucio Fontana (1899–1968) was an Italian painter, sculptor, and theorist. He is the founder of Spatialism, known for his 'slash' canvases and spatial concepts.
Elena Bonanno di Linguaglossa serves as the new director for the Milan gallery. She has taken an innovative approach to the exhibition. Sculpture pieces are allowed to extend into the public square outside the palazzo, creating a dynamic interaction with the urban environment. The exhibition will remain on display until November 21st.
The Significance of Italian Art
Italy's role in the global art world is undeniable. From the Renaissance to Futurism and Arte Povera, Italian artists and movements have shaped art history. Thaddaeus Ropac's decision to open in Milan acknowledges this profound legacy. The gallery aims to connect contemporary art with this rich historical context.
- Renaissance: A period of intense artistic and cultural flourishing in Italy, starting in the 14th century.
- Baroque: An art style characterized by drama and grandeur, prominent in Italy from the early 17th century.
- Futurism: An early 20th-century Italian art movement emphasizing speed, technology, and violence.
- Arte Povera: A post-war Italian art movement that used everyday materials to challenge traditional art values.
The Milan gallery's presence is expected to enhance the city's status as a contemporary art destination. It provides a new platform for international artists within a historic setting. This blend of old and new is a hallmark of Milan's cultural identity. The gallery's opening demonstrates continued confidence in the European art market.
The exhibition showcases specific works. For example, Georg Baselitz's Rosa riposa from 2019 is featured. Lucio Fontana's Concetto spaziale, Forma from 1957 is also on display. These pieces offer a unique perspective on the artists' careers and their contributions to modern art.
The addition of Milan to the Thaddaeus Ropac network is a strategic move. It reinforces the gallery's commitment to global art centers. The choice of Palazzo Belgioioso provides a distinctive backdrop. This combination is likely to attract both local and international art enthusiasts.