Neapolitan collector Francesco Taurisano on building a collection with heart

Francesco Taurisano, a young art collector hailing from Naples, attributes his enthusiasm for contemporary art to a childhood discussion between his father and a gallerist regarding Emilio Tadini and Piero Dorazio's works. His initial purchase was a piece by Rainer Ganahl, while his latest acquisition is Claire Fontaine's neon artwork "Ma l'amore mio non muore" from T293. Taurisano is particularly drawn to socio-political art and has recently added two pieces by Maxwell Alexandre from A Gentil Carioca, along with works by Colombian artist Alejandra Hernández from Laveronica. He values the importance of engaging with galleries and fellow collectors, a principle instilled by his friend Giorgio Fasol. His favorite artwork is Marinella Senatore's "Piccolo Caos," a performance photograph linked to family history. He laments not securing a Yves Klein sponge. Taurisano believes that auctions and fairs have intensified the economic aspect of art and critiques the label "emerging artist," which originated during Italy's Tangentopoli period. His collection has diversified to include audio-visual works and installations, with a recent revival of interest in painting. The CollezioneTaurisano, founded by his father with pieces from artists like Mimmo Paladino, Nino Longobardi, and others, now fosters artistic initiatives, including a residency in Modica with the Romanian collective Apparatus22 in December 2018.