Whilst Italy is very well known for art pre 1600, other than the Venice Biennale which takes place over three months of the year Italy is rarely associated with much contemporary art. The billionnaire Frenchman has seen taking another gap in the market by educating the Italians with his great taste. Francois Pinnault owner of Artemis SA is a major player in the luxury goods market, and is also the owner of Christies Auction house. His French fingers have many holes in many pies, he is powerful on many fronts but the contemporary art world seems to be suring up a new legacy for him.
As if being the French owner of a formerly (proudly) British Auction House wasnt enough of taboo. The Frenchman has now vested interests in a public art gallery in Venice in which his private collection remains.
Bridging the gap?
Its not new that the billionnaire wants to open his private collection to the public, but the fact that he is a billionnaire who owns one of the biggest auction houses in contemporary art in the world is something that should attract attention. The Frenchman decided to compensate the gap lacking in Italian culture that there are no major contemporary art museums in Italy.
Most powerful man in the art world
The auction world is riddled with grey areas as far as ethical conduct goes and this seems to be another one. The fact that Christies already owns a commercial art gallery in London, the Haunch of Venison causes confusion in many peoples eyes. Especially when there are such definite distinctions as far as dealers versus auction houses go. In 2006 the ArtReviews magazine ranked the French owner of the Christies as the most powerful man in the art world as it holds the first biggest contemporary art gallery in Italy.
The reality of the museum
The Dogana fills a narrow triangular spit of land right at the nose of Venices Dorsoduro, the island that forms the western quarter of Venice, on the mouth of the Grand Canal. Whilst building, the site had little room for scaffolding and couldnt hold the 120 workers that were needed, so a temporary port was erected and floating bridges raised; even a canteen was hoisted on stilts.
The museum is beautiful and a great asset to Venice. The issues around collecting, being a patron, owning a museum and owning an auction house do not negate from the fact that la Dogana is a stunning piece of craftsmanship and only adds to Venices charm. A short flight to Venice will always prove rewarding and in that respect is no wonder Pinnault has chosen it as a spot for his art collection. However, as can be expected during the Biennale it will be packed with little room for personal enjoyment. Off season is a much better bet for the enjoyment of what Venice has to offer.
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