Milan, Italy – The Robilant+Voena gallery unveiled a striking new collaboration with Afrofuturist artist Jordan Watson last autumn, marking a important moment for the gallery’s Milan headquarters on Via della Spiga. This partnership signals a dynamic shift for the established art institution, founded in 2004 by Edmondo de Robilant and Marco Viena.

A Legacy Reimagined: Robilant+Voena and Contemporary Art

Robilant+Voena has long been celebrated for its mastery of Old Masterpieces, showcasing works from artists such as Artemisia Gentileschi and Giovanni battista Tiepolo, alongside important figures in 20th-century Italian art. Though, the gallery’s vision has evolved to embrace contemporary voices, including the provocative works of Damien Hirst, Jeff Koons, and David LaChapelle. This expansion reflects a growing trend within established galleries to bridge the gap between past and contemporary art, attracting a wider audience and fostering a more inclusive art market.

The gallery’s success is fuelled by a new generation of art merchants, steeped in the world of art from childhood. Virginia voena, a key figure in this transition, highlights the importance of extensive travel and firsthand experience. “We were fortunate to travel extensively,” she explained. “Each journey involved visiting exhibitions and museums,providing an invaluable education that complemented our formal studies.”

Virginia Voena: A New Generation of Art Dealers

thirty-year-old Virginia Voena primarily manages sales, navigating the art scenes in Milan, London, and the winter hub of St. Moritz, where her partner, former Alpine ski champion Giorgio Rocca, resides. “In St. Moritz, my father established a gallery seven years ago, recognizing that holidaymakers ofen have more time to engage with art,” Voena shared. This evolved into a accomplished annual pop-up format, occurring each year in diverse locations. The gallery also participates in Nomad, a prominent contemporary art fair, further expanding its reach.

Voena’s academic background includes graduating with honors in Art History from Regent’s University of London, followed by training at Christie’s auction house in the Post-war and Contemporary Art department. “Christie’s provided an excellent foundation in art valuation and research,” she noted.”It taught me how to trace a work’s provenance, assess its exhibition history, and determine its value based on comparable sales and scholarly publications.”

As the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, Voena has played an increasingly prominent role in sales for the family gallery, working alongside her brother Edoardo and cousin Michele, the son of Edmondo de Robilant. “We focus on offering high-quality pieces at fair prices, with the potential for future appreciation,” she emphasized.”For emerging artists, representation by a reputable gallery is crucial for accelerating their careers.”

Did You Know? The art market saw a global turnover of $67.8 billion in 2023, with online sales continuing to rise, according to the latest report by Art Basel and UBS.

Navigating the Challenges of the Modern Art Market

The contemporary art market is increasingly complex, characterized by a surge in online auctions and direct sales to top bidders. This dynamic significantly impacts conventional gallery practices and buyer behavior. “Our work is more challenging now becuase of the sheer volume of works available at auction,” Voena explained. “Potential buyers frequently enough check auction results before considering a piece from a gallery, influencing their perception of value.”

Voena credits her father with instilling a crucial lesson: “Never impose limits. If you believe in yourself and your potential, dare to dream big. But,” she added with a laugh,”never claim a sale until the funds are confirmed. trust is vital, but verification is essential.”

Pro Tip: When researching an artist, delve beyond auction prices. Explore their exhibition history, critical reception, and placement within art historical narratives.

The Power of Connection and Cultural Exchange

Voena’s experiences in London broadened her network and fostered connections with collectors from diverse backgrounds, notably the Middle East.”I introduced my father to Arab and Muslim culture, opening doors to private collections in the region,” she shared. This led to significant sales to institutions like the Louvre Abu dhabi and the association of the first major exhibition of 20th-century Italian art in Oman.

One particularly memorable artwork was a Kehinde Wiley portrait that her father brought home temporarily. “It completely transformed the space,” Voena recalled. “Wiley’s work, inspired by Old Masters like Van Dyck, offers a powerful contemporary perspective by reimagining classical compositions with Black subjects.”

The gallery’s surroundings itself is reflective of its collecting spirit – “filled with books, though we don’t always find time to read them,” voena admitted, before enthusiastically recommending Simon de Pury’s autobiography, “The Auctioneer: Adventures in the Art Trade”, a captivating insider’s account of the glamorous world of art auctions.

What role do you believe technology will play in the future of art collecting? How can galleries best balance tradition with innovation in the modern art market?

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