Villa Lontana Launches Contemporary Art Program in Rome
In 2018, Villa Lontana, a historic estate located in Rome, is set to introduce a contemporary art initiative under the direction of curator Vittoria Bonifati. The first exhibition, titled "Sculptureless Sculpture," will be co-curated with Jo Melvin and is scheduled to open on May 16, 2018, in a garage designed by Fabio Ortolani. This exhibition will showcase 35 sculptures from the Fondazione Dino ed Ernesta Santarelli, alongside six video pieces featuring artists such as John Baldessari, Elisabetta Benassi, Ketty La Rocca, Mario Merz, and Ad Reinhardt. Additionally, ancient works from the foundation's extensive collection, established in 1999 by Paola, Santa, and Antonio Santarelli, will be on display. Plans for a second exhibition and an artist residency program are also in the works.
Key facts
- Villa Lontana launches contemporary art program in 2018.
- Curator Vittoria Bonifati leads the program.
- Inaugural exhibition 'Sculptureless Sculpture' opens May 16, 2018.
- Exhibition co-curated by Jo Melvin.
- Venue is a garage designed by Fabio Ortolani in 2010.
- Show features 35 sculptures from Fondazione Santarelli and six videos.
- Artists include John Baldessari, Elisabetta Benassi, Ketty La Rocca, Mario Merz, Ad Reinhardt.
- Ancient works from 1st-3rd centuries AD, Etruscan relief, Greek head also displayed.
- Fondazione Dino ed Ernesta Santarelli founded in 1999.
- Foundation's collection spans Ptolemaic to early 19th century.
- Glyptic collection on loan to Musei Capitolini until 2022.
- Second exhibition planned for September-October in Italian garden.
- Residency program to invite one artist per year.
- Villa Lontana housed Prince Poniatowski, Canova, Thorvaldsen, Gabet, Abbot.
- 2013 monograph covers archaeology including 160-tomb necropolis.
Entities
Artists
- Vittoria Bonifati
- Jo Melvin
- John Baldessari
- Elisabetta Benassi
- Ketty La Rocca
- Mario Merz
- Ad Reinhardt
- Antonio Canova
- Bertel Thorvaldsen
- Luigi Gabet
- Samuel A.B. Abbot
- Prince Stanislao Poniatowski
- Poussin
Institutions
- Fondazione Dino ed Ernesta Santarelli
- Royal College of Art
- Musei Capitolini
- American Academy in Rome
- Artribune
Locations
- Rome
- Italy
- Villa Lontana
- Via Cassia 53
- Castello della Cecchignola
- Ponte Milvio
- Londra
- India
- Spoleto