Collector Antonio Menon defends painting's relevance today
Antonio Menon, founder of THE BANK – Istituto per gli Studi sulla Pittura Contemporanea, argues that painting remains vital because it sells, artists are culturally grounded, and a fervent movement of young painters thrives in academies and collectives. He prioritizes galleries that support artists over market success, and believes painting's deep human connection ensures its future.
Key facts
- Antonio Menon is a collector and founder of THE BANK – Istituto per gli Studi sulla Pittura Contemporanea.
- Menon started collecting irrationally, without economic goals, focusing on figurative contemporary Italian painting.
- He states painting has solid bases because artists are culturally grounded and express themselves freely despite economic difficulties.
- A fervent painting movement exists with hundreds of young artists studying in academies and forming collectives, e.g., in Mestre and Venice.
- Menon believes painting will survive because it is part of human history and resists trends.
- He follows galleries that prioritize research and support artists beyond sales and auction results.
- Menon chose figurative painting because he believes in humanity and opposes de-anthropization.
- His foundation aims to create a museum of contemporary painting that expresses living cultural heritage.
Entities
Artists
- Antonio Menon
Institutions
- THE BANK – Istituto per gli Studi sulla Pittura Contemporanea
- Artribune
Locations
- Mestre
- Venezia
- Italy