Fondazione Elpis Opens New Milan Space with South Asian Art Show

On October 29, 2022, Fondazione Elpis inaugurated its new exhibition space in Milan's Porta Romana district at Via Orti 25, housed in a former 1885 industrial laundry. The foundation, established in 2020 by entrepreneur Marina Nissim and directed by Bruno Barsanti, spans 800 square meters across three floors plus a terrace and garden. Architect Giovanna Latis led the restoration, preserving original brickwork and 19th-century trusses. The inaugural show, "HAZE. Contemporary Art From South Asia," curated by HH Art Spaces and Mario D'Souza, features 21 artists including Bani Abidi (b. 1971, Sri Lanka), Diptej Vernekar (b. 1991, India), and Pranay Dutta (b. 1993, India). The exhibition explores ecological, political, and cultural themes through painting, performance, and site-specific installations, centered on the keywords "fog" and "region." Nissim, who purchased the space three years ago, cited inspiration from a 2019 trip to India and positioned the foundation alongside other private art spaces launched by Milanese families like Trussardi, Prada, and Fondazione Rovati. The foundation also continues its "Una Boccata d'Arte" project, now planning its fourth edition.