art, Events

Art Basel Miami Beach 2022

This year, Art Basel Miami Beach is celebrating its 20th anniversary. Over 280 galleries are participating in the fair. Ursula Casamonti of Tornabuoni Art gave me a tour of her booth, which is dedicated to the Italian art of the 20th century. One of the distinctions of the Miami edition is a big presence of Latin American galleries. Meet Dan Galeria and Nara Roesler, both from Brazil, which are showcasing artists from different countries of the continent.

art, Events

Paris+ par Art Basel 2022

In October, Art Basel launched its inaugural fair in Paris. It's called Paris+ par Art Basel. The fair was held in the temporary venue, Grand Palais Éphémère, in place of FIAC, the French contemporary art fair, that used to take place in this time slot. Over 1/3 of the participating 156 galleries are based in France per the agreement between Grand Palais Management Company and Murdoch's MCH Group, the owner of Art Basel. I had a chance to meet two European galleries - Zeno X from Antwerp and Applicat-Prazan from Paris. Nina Hendrickx of Zeno X Gallery introduced a group of Belgian contemporary artists presented at their stand. Franck Prazan of Applicat-Prazan talked about their solo exhibition of Georges Mathieu. And finally, I visited the outdoor sector of the fair, called The Sites, which showcased large-scale works on Place Vendôme and Jardin des Tuileries. Paris, France October 20-22, 2022

art, Events

Frieze London 2022

This October, the art crowds are back in London for three art fairs in one - Frieze London, Frieze Masters and Frieze Sculpture. Frieze London is the contemporary art fair. Among my highlights are: Anthea Hamilton's Giant Pumpkins, Jeffrey Gibson's solo presentation, Laure Prouvost's multi-disciplinary project, and Estonian kinetic and sound artist Kaarel Kurismaa at Temnikova & Kasela Gallery. Frieze Masters as always showcases museum-quality pieces spanning from antiquity to the 20th century. Frieze Sculpture is a free exhibition set out in the Regent's Park's English Gardens and comprises 19 large-scale works by a diverse group of artists of different generations and backgrounds. London, UK October 12, 2022

art, Events, Profiles

Elisa Piccini | Fratelli Piccini

Elisa Tozzi Piccini is the fourth-generation owner of Fratelli Piccini Jewelers on Ponte Vecchio, Florence. We talk about family legacy, the challenge of being a woman in this business, artisanal methods of jewelry making, traditions and values. September 23, 2022 Florence, Italy

art, Events

BIAF | Florence 2022

My coverage of the 32nd edition of the Florence Biennial International Antique Fair (Biennale Internazionale dell'Antiquariato di Firenze, or BIAF) takes you to Florence, the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance. About 80 galleries showcase their museum-quality art objects in Palazzo Corsini. I met three galleries representing three discrete periods -- from old masters (Giacometti Old Master Paintings, Naples), to 19th century (Berardi Galleria d’Arte, Rome), to modern (Tornabuoni Arte, Florence). BIAF even ventures into the metaverse with a virtual gallery in collaboration with Ernst & Young Italy. In conjunction with BIAF the city celebrates art by holding the Florence Art Week with a series of collateral events, among them: Olafur Elliason's exhibition "Nel tuo tempo" in Palazzo Strozzi, and Tony Cragg's exhibition "Transfer" in the Museo Novecente. I also had the pleasure of meeting the owner of Fratelli Piccini, the oldest goldsmith on Ponte Vecchio.