casa cipriani milano’s in-house exhibition weaves together historical and modern artists

first edition of arte a casa honors historical and modern art

Casa Cipriani Milano, a private members club established in 2022 and located in the historic Palazzo Bernasconi on Via Palestro, introduces Arte a Casa, an initiative that bridges the gap between history and contemporary art, drawing inspiration from the artistic legacy of Harry’s Bar, which hosted figures like Eugenio Montale, Ernest Hemingway, and Andy Warhol. The first edition of Arte a Casa has launched on May 23rd, 2024, featuring a collection of artworks by 29 artists from both national and international backgrounds, presented by 25 Milanese galleries, highlighting the impact and contributions of the galleries to the Milanese art scene. 

casa cipriani milano’s exhibition-turned interiors

Arte a Casa by Casa Cipriani Milano (see more here) walks visitors through elegant spaces, beginning in the Grand Hall with William Kentridge’s sculpture Apron, 2022 (courtesy of Lia Rumma Gallery), a piece that addresses themes of history, politics, memory, and identity. Made of bronze, Apron is a sculpture that reflects the distinctive character of Kentridge’s work, known for his multidisciplinary approach combining drawing, animation, theater, and sculpture. The journey continues in the cosseted and intimate Pickering Room with works by contemporary artists, each offering distinct material and conceptual explorations. From the textural purity of Ettore Spalletti’s Looking at the Pink, 2017 (courtesy of VISTAMARE gallery), to the experimentation and irony of John Armleder, D Painting, 2005 (courtesy of MASSIMODECARLO gallery), and the conceptual reflections of Monica Bonvicini, Plush, 2022 (courtesy of Raffaella Cortese gallery).

In the lounge area, visitors of Arte a Casa come across the Cipriani family’s historical family photographs interspersed with contemporary pieces: Francesco Vezzoli’s artwork Italian Fury (Portrait of Leonor Fini with Dancing Tears, 1971), 2022 (courtesy of Tommaso Calabro Gallery), and a portrait drawn by Chantal Joffe, Dan I, 2016 (courtesy galleria Monica De Cardenas). The path ends with Greg Gorman’s photographic portrait, Marina Abramovic, Los Angeles, 2013 (courtesy of 29 Arts In Progress gallery).

Moving through the Ground Floor Hallway, guests encounter works by Man Ray and Letizia Battaglia, among others, creating a dialogue between fashion, society, and abstract forms. The Noble Staircase holds pieces by Flavio Favelli and Daniele Milvio, alongside Mario Nigro’s ‘Hope of Love, 1974’ (courtesy of A Arte Invernizzi Gallery). On the third floor, the Restaurant Hallway presents monochromatic works by Charles Avery, Jason Martin, Bosco Sodi, and Agostino Bonalumi. In the adjacent private dining room, Claudio Parmiggiani’s powerful work Senza titolo, 2023 (courtesy of Tornabuoni Art) commands attention. It’s part of a series capturing presence through absence: works of shadows and imprints made with fire, dust and smoke. Rounding off the Italian trio is Piero Dorazio’s oil on canvas, Sosia II, 1973 (courtesy of Eleonora Tega and Francesca Tega, Milan), a significant piece of the renowned Italian figure in abstraction.

Lastly, the Living Room, an elegant lounge area of Casa Cipriani Milano features CB Hoyo’s ‘How would they know, 2023’ (courtesy of Plan X Gallery) and Luca Napoli’s ‘Sheet, 2022’ (courtesy of L.u.p.o Gallery). The space also includes sculptures by Yves Scherer, Zoe Williams, and Christian Gonzenbach. The exhibition closes with the work of Canadian artist Brent Wadden, Untitled, 2022 (courtesy of Peres Projects gallery), known for his skillful use of wool and cotton yarns in creating colorful textile compositions that play with shapes, colors and textures. Arte a Casa will run until October 26th, 2024, accompanied by a series of events, discussions, and talks. These events will include artists, gallerists, collectors, journalists, curators, and other prominent figures from the art world, fostering a dynamic cultural dialogue and 

displaying 29 artists from 25 milanese galleries

Below is the list of the 29 international artists from the 25 Milanese galleries: John Armleder / MASSIMODECARLO, Charles Avery / VISTAMARE, Letizia Battaglia / GALLERIA FRANCESCO PANTALEONE, Agostino Bonalumi / CORTESI GALLERY, Monica Bonvicini / GALLERIA RAFFAELLA CORTESE, CB Hoyo / PLAN X, Piero Dorazio / ELEONORA E FRANCESCA TEGA, MILANO, Flavio Favelli / FRANCESCA MININI, Lucio Fontana / TORNABUONI ART, Christian Gonzenbach / RIBOT GALLERY, Greg Gorman / 29 ARTS IN PROGRESS, Chantal Joffe / MONICA DE CARDENAS, William Kentridge / LIA RUMMA, Jason Martin / MIMMO SCOGNAMIGLIO, Daniele Milvio / FEDERICO VAVASSORI, Luca Napoli / L.U.P.O GALLERY, Mario Nigro / A ARTE INVERNIZZI, Lulù Nuti / GALLERIA RENATA FABBRI, Claudio Parmiggiani / TORNABUONI ART, Giò Pomodoro / SECCI GALLERY, Man Ray / GIò MARCONI, Yves Scherer / CASSINA PROJECTS, Turi Simeti / CORTESI GALLERY, Bosco Sodi / CARDI GALLERY, Ettore Spalletti / VISTAMARE, Thomas Strüth / MONICA DE CARDENAS, Francesco Vezzoli / TOMMASO CALABRO, Brent Wadden / PERES PROJECTS, Zoe Williams / CIACCIA LEVI.

project info:

name: Arte a Casa 

location: Casa Cipriani Milano, Via Palestro | @casaciprianimilano

viewing dates: May 23rd – October 26th, 2024