Book on Gallerist Annina Nosei Who Launched Basquiat

Roberto Lambarelli's book 'Annina Nosei Arte e Critica' (2024, 288 pages, €45) recounts the life of Italian gallerist Annina Nosei, born in Rome in 1939. It traces her career from Rome's neo-avant-garde scene, through Paris, to New York, where she opened the Annina Nosei Gallery at 100 Prince Street. The book debunks myths around her discovery of Jean-Michel Basquiat, repositioning him within a coherent artistic context. Nosei's early involvement with experimental theater (Ken Dewey), the Sonnabend Gallery, and teaching in the US is detailed. Her marriage to John Weber connected European and American art, exemplified by the 1972 exhibition 'De Europa'. Key shows include 'Painting', 'Memory' (1977), and 'Discussion' (May 1977) at New York University. The gallery later moved to 530 West 22nd Street, exhibiting diaspora artists like Chéri Samba, Shirin Neshat, and Ghada Amer. The book draws on extensive conversations with Nosei, her writings, and documentation, correcting historical distortions.