ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

miart 2017: Gallerists React to New Director Rabottini's First Edition

festival-fair · 2026-05-05

At the 22nd miart, which was the first under Alessandro Rabottini's direction, gallery owners expressed a cautious optimism. Many praised Rabottini for successfully continuing the work of his predecessor, Vincenzo De Bellis, who left in 2016 for a curatorial role at the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis. Gallerists recognized that Rabottini's past experience with the fair had a positive impact. The overall quality of the exhibitions was highlighted, promoting professional camaraderie. However, some emerging galleries felt overlooked, as they were situated in a less busy area, leading to a drop in international attendance. Interviews were conducted with representatives from various galleries, including A Palazzo (Brescia) and Gladstone Gallery (New York – Bruxelles).

Key facts

  • miart 2017 was the 22nd edition and the first under director Alessandro Rabottini.
  • Rabottini succeeded Vincenzo De Bellis, who left in 2016 for a curatorial role at the Walker Art Center.
  • Gallerists praised Rabottini for coherently continuing De Bellis's legacy.
  • Rabottini's prior involvement in the fair's management was seen as beneficial.
  • The overall quality of gallery presentations was noted positively.
  • Younger galleries felt isolated in a low-traffic area with reduced international attendance.
  • Interviews were conducted with gallerists from A Palazzo, Ottozoo, Clima Gallery, Francesco Pantaleone, Federico Luger, Emmanuel Layr, Gladstone Gallery, and Federica Schiavo.
  • The fair took place in Milan, Italy.

Entities

Institutions

  • miart
  • Walker Art Center
  • A Palazzo
  • Ottozoo
  • Clima Gallery
  • Francesco Pantaleone
  • Federico Luger
  • Emmanuel Layr
  • Gladstone Gallery
  • Federica Schiavo

Locations

  • Milan
  • Italy
  • Minneapolis
  • United States
  • Brescia
  • Palermo
  • Vienna
  • Rome
  • New York
  • Brussels

Sources