Virginia Voena Advocates for Authenticity at New Robilant+Voena Gallery

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.”

Gallery	Founders	Specialization	Locations
Robilant+Voena	Edmondo de Robilant & Marco Viena	Old Masters, 20th-Century Italian Art, Contemporary Art	Milan, London, New York, St. Moritz (Pop-up)

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.

The Evolving Role of Art Galleries

Art galleries are no longer solely spaces for displaying and selling art. They are increasingly becoming cultural hubs, fostering dialog, and supporting artists.The rise of online platforms has presented both challenges and opportunities. While online sales have expanded access to art, the physical experience of viewing art in a gallery remains crucial for many collectors. Artsy’s report on galleries adapting to the digital age details how galleries are integrating online and offline experiences to cater to a changing clientele.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What types of art dose Robilant+voena specialize in? Robilant+Voena specializes in Old Masterpieces, 20th-century Italian art, and contemporary art, showcasing a diverse range of artists.
• How is the younger generation shaping Robilant+Voena’s future? Virginia Voena and her brother are expanding the gallery’s reach and embracing contemporary artists, bringing a fresh perspective to the business.
• What challenges does the gallery face in the current art market? the gallery navigates the complexities of online auctions and the need to provide value beyond price comparisons.
• How important are personal relationships in the art world? Virginia Voena emphasizes that building strong relationships with collectors is essential for long-term success.
• What is the meaning of the St. Moritz pop-up gallery? The St. Moritz location provides access to potential collectors who have more time to engage with art during their holidays.

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?

Share your thoughts in the comments below!

How does Virginia Voena’s focus on art provenance research contribute too improved art market ethics?

A Shift in Gallery Culture: Focusing on ethical Practices

the recent opening of a new Robilant+Voena gallery space marks not just an expansion for the renowned art dealership, but a stated commitment to a new era of openness and ethical conduct, spearheaded by virginia Voena. This follows a period of significant scrutiny for the gallery, including a lawsuit filed in May 2024 by curator Virginia Brilliant alleging breach of contract, discriminatory labor practices, sexual harassment, and a toxic workplace surroundings. This shift represents a critical moment for the art world, highlighting the growing demand for accountability within established institutions.

The Allegations and Their Impact on the Art market

The lawsuit brought by Virginia Brilliant sent ripples through the art market. the allegations detailed a pattern of concerning behavior, raising questions about power dynamics and professional standards within Robilant+voena.

Here’s a breakdown of the key claims:

Breach of Contract: Allegations centered around unfulfilled contractual obligations regarding brilliant’s role and compensation.

Discriminatory Labor Practices: Claims of unfair treatment based on gender and professional standing.

Sexual Harassment: Serious accusations detailing inappropriate conduct and a hostile work environment.

Toxic Workplace Environment: A broader claim encompassing a culture of intimidation and lack of support.

These accusations, while still subject to legal proceedings, have amplified the ongoing conversation about ethical obligation in the art world, impacting art gallery reputation management and art market ethics.

Virginia Voena’s Vision for a New Gallery Standard

Virginia Voena’s involvement signals a intentional attempt to address past concerns and establish a more positive and inclusive gallery culture. Her advocacy centers around several key principles:

Provenance Research: A renewed emphasis on meticulous art provenance research to guarantee the authenticity and legal history of all artworks handled by the gallery. This is crucial for building trust with collectors and maintaining the integrity of the art market.

Transparency in Sales: Increased openness regarding pricing, commissions, and the gallery’s financial practices.This aims to foster a more collaborative relationship with clients.

Employee Empowerment: Implementing policies that prioritize employee well-being, professional advancement, and a safe, respectful work environment. This includes robust HR compliance measures and clear reporting channels for grievances.

diversity and Inclusion: Actively promoting diversity within the gallery’s staff, artist roster, and client base. This reflects a commitment to representing a wider range of voices and perspectives in the art world.

The Importance of Authenticity in Art Dealing

In an industry often shrouded in secrecy, the demand for art authentication and transparency is growing. Collectors are increasingly sophisticated and expect a higher level of due diligence from galleries.

Here’s why authenticity matters:

1. Financial Investment: Art is a significant financial investment, and buyers need assurance that they are purchasing genuine works.
2. Ancient Meaning: Authenticity preserves the historical and cultural value of artworks.
3. Legal Protection: Proper provenance and authentication protect buyers from legal disputes and potential fraud.
4. Reputational Risk: Dealing in inauthentic art can severely damage a gallery’s reputation and erode trust.

Navigating the Changing Landscape of Art Market Regulations

The art market is facing increasing regulatory scrutiny, with governments worldwide cracking down on money laundering and illicit trade. Galleries are now required to implement stricter AML compliance (Anti-Money Laundering) procedures and conduct thorough KYC checks (Know Your Customer) on buyers and sellers.

This includes:

Due Diligence: Verifying the identity and source of funds for all transactions.

Record Keeping: Maintaining detailed records of all sales and purchases.

Reporting Suspicious Activity: Reporting any suspicious transactions to the relevant authorities.

These regulations are designed to protect the integrity of the art market and prevent it from being used for illegal activities.

Case Study: The impact of Provenance on Value

Consider the case of a painting initially attributed to a minor artist, but later discovered through extensive provenance research to be a lost work by a master. The value of the painting skyrocketed once its true authorship was established,demonstrating the critical role of art historical research in determining an artwork’s worth. This highlights the importance of investing in expert art appraisal services.

Practical Tips for collectors

For collectors navigating this evolving landscape, here are some practical tips:

Work with Reputable Galleries: Choose galleries with a proven track record of ethical conduct and transparency.

Request Provenance Information: Always ask for detailed provenance information for any artwork you are considering purchasing.

Obtain an Independent appraisal: Get an independent appraisal from a qualified art appraiser to verify the artwork’s authenticity and value.

* Document All transactions: Keep detailed records of all sales and purchases, including invoices, receipts, and correspondence.

The Future of ethical Art Dealing

Virginia Voena’s efforts at Robilant+Voena