Exploring the intellectual and artistic contributions of Italian galleries at Untitled Art Fair in Miami Beach
Italian galleries at Untitled Art Fair 2024 stood out for their thoughtful and intellectually stimulating exhibits. Italian galleries at this year’s fair brought a depth of narrative and philosophical inquiry that resonated with art enthusiasts and collectors alike. From immersive installations to conceptual artworks, these six Italian galleries highlighted the strength of contemporary Italian art on the global stage.
Il Chiostro Arte: Bridging Past and Present
Il Chiostro Arte from Saronno presented works that explore the interplay between memory, perception, and materiality. Marco Di Giovanni’s installation “Three Columns” cleverly juxtaposed materials to explore themes of Strength, Beauty, and Wisdom. Each piece featured what appeared to be a heavy marble column supporting a delicate stack of paper, creating a visual tension between solidity and fragility. A suspended plumb bob added a sense of balance and gravity, while a reflective sphere invited contemplation. This interplay of materials evokes philosophical reflections on stability, perception, and hidden meanings. Look out for an upcoming video clip of Di Giovanni discussing his work on our Instagram.
Also featured were works by Guy Harloff, an artist known for his exploration of mysticism and spirituality through mixed media. Though born in France, Harloff spent much of his life in Italy, particularly in Florence, where he became deeply connected to the local art scene. The gallery’s dedication to fostering artistic exploration makes it a space where past traditions meet contemporary experimentation.
Explore more: http://www.ilchiostroarte.it
Galleria Studio G7: Conversations on Identity and Memory
Galleria Studio G7 was the only gallery at Untitled Art Fair 2024 to present a roster of entirely Italian artists, underscoring its commitment to promoting the country’s contemporary art scene. Founded in Bologna in 1973, the gallery has long been a platform for contemporary artistic dialogue. At Untitled Art Fair, the gallery showcased a range of artists, including Daniela Comani, Franco Guerzoni, Jacopo Mazzonelli, and Giulia Dall’Olio.
Comani’s installation “My Film History” featured a wall of photographs that resembled a video rental store. The adapted images, manipulated to swap genders, invite viewers to question societal norms and historical narratives. As the artist notes, the project explores “how films shape our perception of identity and gender roles.”
Franco Guerzoni’s work delves into the concept of memory and archaeology, creating visual metaphors for time and preservation. Jacopo Mazzonelli explores sound and structure through sculptural installations, while Giulia Dall’Olio presents nature as a boundless, ever-evolving force.
Discover more: https://galleriastudiog7.it/en/
Luce Gallery: The Power of Light
Luce Gallery, based in Turin, captivated viewers with its exploration of light and its impact on perception. Francesco Pirazzi’s works took center stage, depicting outdoor scenes where light transforms reality into something surreal.
Pirazzi’s use of light as a protagonist creates moments of melancholia and suspension, evoking the silent beauty of cinematic frames. I found myself mesmerized by his work, particularly in how he captures the intangible nature of light to create deeply emotive scenes. Other artists represented by Luce Gallery include Mannat Gandotra, Zeh Palito, Collins Obijiaku, Peter Mohall, Hugo McCloud, and Connie Harrison, all of whom bring diverse perspectives to contemporary art.
Learn more: https://www.lucegallery.com
Secci Gallery: Sculpting Existential Questions
Located in Pietrasanta, Secci Gallery has a reputation for pushing the boundaries of contemporary art. At Untitled Art Fair, the gallery featured works by artists such as Alin Bozbiciu, Daria Dmytrenko, Chico da Silva, Etsu Egami, Kevin Francis Gray, and Levi van Veluw.
Levi van Veluw’s “Conversion” captivated viewers with its intricate polymer clay and pigment sculpture. His work explores themes of religious ritual and existential dilemmas, encouraging reflection on belief systems and human experience.
Kevin Francis Gray’s sculptures, known for their hauntingly beautiful forms, also drew attention, blending classical techniques with modern themes. Gray, originally from Northern Ireland, brings a unique cultural perspective to his work, which resonated strongly with visitors. The gallery’s diverse roster of artists speaks to its commitment to fostering thought-provoking artistic dialogue.
Explore more: https://www.seccigallery.com
The Flat – Massimo Carasi: Immersive Spaces & SARAHCROWN
The Flat – Massimo Carasi, in collaboration with SARAHCROWN, presented a joint booth titled “Ancestral Echoes from East to West” at Untitled Art Fair 2024. The curated selection explored themes of transformation and renewal through the elements of fire, water, wind, and wood. Featured artists included Hiva Alizadeh, Stefano Caimi, Paolo Cavinato, Eunjung Park, and the artist duo Lemaire & Touron. Their works reflected a deep dialogue between Eastern and Western traditions, blending immersive installations with conceptual narratives.
Paolo Cavinato’s “Solaris #5” stood out as a labyrinthine architectural space, blending reality with imagined viewpoints. His work draws inspiration from science fiction, exploring themes of liminality and perception. Stefano Caimi’s “Polypore” series, featuring copper-plated mushrooms, highlighted the fundamental role of fungi in ecosystems, symbolizing regeneration and renewal.
Discover more: https://www.carasi.it | https://www.sarahcrown.com
Looking Ahead: Untitled Art Fair 2025
Untitled Art Fair continues to be a leading platform for discovering contemporary art. The next edition will take place during Miami Art Week, from December 4 to December 8, 2025, at Ocean Drive and 12th Street in Miami Beach. The fair’s inclusive and collaborative approach ensures it remains a vital space for artistic exploration.
For more information, visit https://untitledartfairs.com.
These five Italian galleries demonstrated the intellectual and philosophical richness of contemporary art at Untitled Art Fair 2024. Their diverse practices, ranging from light studies to immersive installations, highlight Italy’s ongoing influence in shaping global art conversations.
All images © Lisa Morales
