Exploring “Made in Italy” at Art Miami During Miami Art Week
Photos by Raluca Kotowski
Italian galleries and artists took center stage during Miami Art Week 2024. They showcased the profound influence of Italy’s rich artistic heritage on contemporary art. For travelers enchanted by Italy’s timeless artistry, these galleries bridge history and modern expression. The phrase “Italian galleries at Art Miami” resonates deeply in the art world, reflecting centuries of unparalleled craftsmanship.
Alessandro Berni Gallery: Tradition Meets Innovation
Originally from Perugia and now based in New York City, Alessandro Berni Gallery embodies a dynamic blend of traditional Italian movements and contemporary innovation. The gallery is renowned for its expertise in Arte Povera and Futurism. It draws connections between historical art and present-day creativity. At Art Miami 2024, Robert R. Obier’s compelling work “Renaissance Man 2.0: Science/Technology” captivated audiences. Mounted on a pedestal, the piece invites viewers to reflect on human creativity and artificial intelligence. It symbolizes the evolving dialogue between past traditions and future possibilities.
For lovers of Italian art history, this gallery offers a glimpse into the continuity of artistic ideas. It bridges Italy’s influential past with cutting-edge explorations.
Barbara Paci Galleria d’Arte: Sculpting Stories in Marble
Barbara Paci Galleria d’Arte, located in Pietrasanta—a town with centuries-old marble sculpting traditions—brought the timeless beauty of Italian marble to Miami. Pietrasanta, often called the “City of Marble,” has long attracted sculptors from around the world, including Michelangelo. Massimiliano Pelletti, one of the gallery’s standout artists, continues this legacy by redefining classical sculpture. His works, such as those carved from Carrara marble, play with the tension between ancient forms and contemporary themes. Pelletti’s sculptures often feature cracks and irregularities, reminding viewers that perfection in art lies in imperfection. His interpretation of mythological figures evokes a sense of timelessness, making his works deeply evocative for art lovers and collectors alike.
Travelers heading to Tuscany can explore Pietrasanta’s rich artistic scene, connecting directly with the materials and stories that inspired Pelletti’s creations.
Discover more: https://www.barbarapaciartgallery.com
Citco: Transforming Marble into Art
Verona-based Citco reimagines marble as a medium for contemporary design. At Art Miami, Citco’s installations blended ancient craftsmanship with bold, modern aesthetics. Collaborating with luminaries such as Ron Arad and Zaha Hadid, Citco transforms hard stone into supple, fluid shapes. One standout piece showcased marble panels that shimmered like fabric under light, creating a visual paradox. This fusion of old-world material with cutting-edge design exemplifies Citco’s mission to make marble a dynamic, evolving art form.
For design enthusiasts, Citco’s work highlights the adaptability of traditional materials in modern spaces. Visitors to Verona can also explore Italy’s renowned stone quarries, offering a glimpse into the origins of these stunning creations.
Learn more: https://citco.it/it
Frascione Gallery: Bridging Old Masters and Contemporary Art
Florence’s Frascione Gallery made a memorable debut at Art Miami, offering a captivating blend of Old Master paintings and contemporary works. Led by Federico Gandolfi Vannini, the gallery featured artist Fabio Viale, whose sculptures challenge perceptions of classical art. Viale’s signature pieces include marble sculptures tattooed with intricate designs, drawing parallels between historical statuary and modern body art. His reinterpretations breathe new life into traditional forms, sparking conversations about cultural identity and artistic heritage.
For those planning a visit to Florence, Frascione Gallery offers a unique opportunity to see these pieces in person and explore the city’s rich artistic legacy, from Renaissance masterpieces to modern innovations.
Visit: https://www.frascione.com
Galleria Ca’ d’Oro: Sicilian Heritage Through Contemporary Eyes
With locations in Rome, Miami, and New York, Galleria Ca’ d’Oro continues to celebrate the rich artistic heritage of Italy. At Art Miami, Sicilian artist Alessandro Florio’s works stood out for their emotional depth and vibrant storytelling. His paintings, such as “Let’s Go to the Beach” and “Funny Dogs,” draw inspiration from Sicily’s landscapes and folklore. Florio’s use of bold colors and whimsical imagery captures the essence of Italian life, resonating with viewers seeking a connection to their cultural roots.
Travelers to Sicily can immerse themselves in the island’s vibrant culture, from its historic towns to the artistic inspirations reflected in Florio’s work.
Find out more: https://www.galleriacadoro.com
Liquid Art System: Embracing the “Glocal” Approach
Liquid Art System, with galleries across Italy and beyond, brought a unique perspective to Art Miami by blending global trends with local traditions. Filippo Tincolini’s “Human Connections” exhibition, unveiled at CONTEXT Art Miami, exemplified this philosophy. His iconic Superman sculpture, carved from Carrara marble, represents the fusion of classical artistry with modern pop culture. The piece explores themes of heroism, identity, and cultural preservation, inviting viewers to reconsider the role of ancient materials in contemporary narratives.
For those exploring Capri or the Amalfi Coast, a visit to Liquid Art System provides a deeper understanding of how Italian traditions continue to inspire modern storytelling through art.
Explore: https://liquidartsystem.com
Mucciaccia Gallery: The Chaos of Creativity
Mucciaccia Gallery, with locations in Rome, London, and Singapore, brought thought-provoking works to Art Miami. One of the most striking exhibits was PRIEST’s “Manufracture” series, which explores the chaos of modern life. His paintings, rich in symbolism and dark humor, address themes such as corporate greed and nostalgia. PRIEST’s journey from graffiti artist to fine art painter reflects a broader commentary on the evolving nature of artistic expression and the challenges of balancing authenticity with market demands.
Visitors to Rome can experience Mucciaccia Gallery’s curated exhibitions, which offer insights into both established and emerging Italian artists.
Visit: https://mucciaccia.com/en/
Art Miami’s Legacy and Looking Forward to 2025
Celebrating its 34th edition, Art Miami continues to be a beacon for collectors and art enthusiasts. With over 170 galleries representing 800 artists, the fair showcases a diverse range of investment-quality artworks. As one of the longest-running art fairs in the United States, Art Miami has solidified its role in the global art scene.
Looking ahead to 2025, Art Miami promises another immersive art experience from December 2 to December 7. The fair’s enduring success reflects Miami’s status as a cultural hub, where art from around the world converges to create meaningful dialogues.
For more information on Art Miami and future events, visit www.artmiami.com.
The enduring presence of Italian galleries at Art Miami highlights Italy’s ability to merge historical craftsmanship with contemporary innovation. From marble masterpieces to vibrant paintings, Italian artists continue to inspire and shape the global art landscape. For Italy lovers and travelers, the connections between these galleries and Italy’s artistic traditions make exploring these works a cultural journey in itself, ensuring that “Italian galleries at Art Miami” remains synonymous with artistic excellence.
