5 Inspiring Collectors from Italy
Italy’s deeply rooted artistic tradition goes back centuries, which a long list of outstanding artists, art pieces, institutions, collectors, and patrons bear witness to. Keeping this tradition alive and securing the continuous growth of the art market is highly dependent on private collectors who are dedicated to support young emerging artists and share their collections with a wider audience. In this article, Artland highlights five inspiring Italian art collectors who are passionate advocates of the arts and the long tradition of collecting, protecting, and sharing the world of art.
Patrizia Sandretto Re Rebaudengo
”I’ve never wanted to keep things to myself. From the very beginning, I’ve wanted to lend out the work as much as possible and for as long as possible.” Quote by Turin-based collector and patron Patrizia Sandretto Re Rebaudengo, who spends much of her time behind the scenes supporting artistic production and commissioning new artworks.
Patrizia Sandretto Re Rebaudengo founded the Fondazione Sandretto Re Rebaudengo in 1995 and opened its current premises in Turin in 2002. She is active both as a collector and as a supporter of artistic commissions and production, paying special attention to young artists. As an active patron of the arts, she sits on the international councils of MoMA and Tate and is involved with a number of other art institutions around the world.
Ernesto Esposito
Celebrated shoe designer and passionate art collector Ernesto Esposito’s art collection counts works by some of the most significant artists of the 20th and 21st century such as Andy Warhol, Michelangelo Pistoletto, Helmut Newton, Jannis Kounellis, and Andy Warhol. His art collection is a historical adventure, developed over a period of 40 years and still unfolding with more than 1000 pieces.
Ettore Rossetta
”The artist’s knowledge is a key part of the growth of my collection”. Ever since the Naples-based collector Ettore Rossetta came across the smell of paint diluent for the first time, he has been using all his senses to take in the world of art and build up a dynamic and colorful collection. The possibility to get insights into the minds of artists is a main driving force and ultimately, it comes down to one thing: the wondrous lives of people. His collection is called Collezione Ettore Rossetta and counts more than 50 art pieces.
Lorenzo Perini-Natali
Milan-based art collector Lorenzo Perini-Natali is a collector of the 21st century who has devoted himself entirely to his passion: contemporary art and the support of emerging artists and new artistic projects. He holds a BA in Visual Arts by NABA and was featured at the Artuu as one of the young collectors under 30 years old to watch.
Fabio Frasca
“Collecting art is like writing your own history”. Led by his curiosity, Naples-based art collector Fabio Frasca adds a new chapter to his personal history for every new artwork in his collection. His collection is called the ”Collezione Fabio Frasca” and was initiated in 2011.