This week in Milan, the spirited 29th edition of miart 2025 descends upon Allianz MiCo, on view through April 6. Elegantly led by Fiera Milano alongside main partner Intesa Sanpaolo, 179 galleries hailing from 31 countries showcase exemplary modern and contemporary artworks. A main event within European fairs, this novel iteration celebrates American painter and graphic artist Robert Rauschenberg on what would be his 100th birthday. Thematic conversations, exhibitions, and projects will ensue under the impactful title of “among friends.”
Further, miart’s three experimental platforms of Established, Emergent, and Portal unite visionary Italian galleries with global industry leaders. Early and mid-century gems are collaged with leading-edge masterworks, providing fairgoers with up-close access to substantial drawings, paintings, sculptures, photographs, and videos. With tender, collaborative energy, a myriad of acquisition funds, special projects, and prizes call for new artistic and cultural allegiances.
Emergent, Established, and Portal Platforms Unite Historic and Avant-Garde Perspectives
Jennifer Carvalho (b. 1980), “Still being (seat of wisdom),” 2024,
Oil on cavas, 16 x 20 in;
courtesy the artist and Franz Kaka, Toronto,
Photo credit: LFdocumentation,
Franz Kaka, Toronto.
Upon entering miart 2025, visitors will be thrilled to discover the Emergent’s new generation of gallerists, spearheaded by curator Attilia Fattori Franchini. Matteo Cantarella (Copenhagen) debuts innovative media works by artists Sanna Helena Berger and Cecilie Norgaard, and Canadian Gallery Franz Kaka (Toronto) reveals the historical significance within paintings by the skillful Jennifer Carvalho.
Established stands as the fair’s vibrant main section, bringing together diverse perspectives including Esther Schipper (Berlin, Paris, Seoul) with artists Stefan Bertalan and Anicka Yi. Meanwhile, Galleria Giampaolo Abbondio (Milan, Todi) pays homage to the brilliance of American photographer Nan Goldin in a dazzling solo show. Finally, Portal, deftly curated by Alessio Antoniolli, engages avant-garde shows by blaxTARlines with APALAZZOGALLERY (Brescia), Santiago Yahuarcan with Crisis (Lima), and more.
Prizes, Conversations, and a Culinary Centerpiece at miart 2025
Aronne Pleuteri,
“Horror Vacui,” 2023,
installation site specific Casamuseo F.Casorati – Pavarolo (TO),
courtesy the artist and ArtNoble Gallery.
Numerous prizes will be bestowed upon forward-thinking and talented artists at this year’s must-see fair. Fondazione Fiera Milano Acquisition Fund, Herno Prize, LCA Studio Legale Prize for Emergent, Orbital Cultura – Nexi Group Award, and Matteo Visconti di Modrone Prize are just a few of the elite awards which will support art’s continued, positive influence on the world. In addition, a selection of meetings on “Value of Art and New Perspectives on Collecting” will enlighten the most discerning fairgoers.
Evolving the unique fair, “MIART AND ADG” is a delightful melding of contemporary art and fine cuisine by partners Associazione Italiana Ambasciatori del Gusto, Fondazione Fiera Milano, and Fiera Milano. Here, the breadth and beauty of Italian cooking is honored by Chef Cesare Battisti, Ambasciatore del Gusto. “Cuisine and art are at the same level, evoking emotions worldwide,” said Battisti. “The chef uses pots and spoons, the artist uses brushes and chisels, but both know how to transform raw materials into pure happiness. The bond between the two is ancient: consider that saffron, which now enhances fine dishes, once illuminated the stained-glass windows of the Duomo. Ingredients and pigments, flavors and colors merge, because to create, whether in the kitchen or on a canvas, is to bring an emotion to life that nourishes both the soul and the body.”
“Cuisine and art are at the same level, evoking emotions worldwide,”
Chef Cesare Battisti
Several Ambasciatore del Gusto partaking in “MIART AND ADG” will gift sensorial dishes invoking the profound journeys found ebbing and flowing through contemporary art. These gastronomical treasures can be found within the fair as well as throughout the city, and premier restaurants will exhibit mesmeric Fondazione Fiera Milano works. Thus, creative and culinary centerpieces will nurture hearts and minds of the arts ecosystem, and cultivate lasting friendships.
Michael Bauer,
“Dawn Of The Frog,” 2024, oil, acrylic, pastel on canvas,
47.8 × 62 × 5.5 cm;
BAU-023,
ph. Giulia Pietroletti,
Courtesy of the Artist and Federica Schiavo
Gallery.
Stephen Skidmore,
“Afternoon Painting,” 2000-2002, oil on linen, 100 x 150 cm.;
Photo Credit: Stephen Skidmore, Courtesy: The Artist and Galerie Hubert
Winter, Vienna.
