The “Old Masters” are well-covered in the Eternal City – but when it comes to contemporary art it’s perhaps not as easy to know where to go to purchase something from emerging or lesser-known artists, so I’ve been exploring some small galleries, which are definitely worth a look.
Starting in the Monti district – often described as “cool” or “arty” and popular with a younger crowd (when I first came to live in Rome I had an apartment here and spent a lot of time enjoying the area) – there is a high concentration of small galleries tucked away between independent boutiques, bars, restaurants and attractive buildings with hanging plants and flowers. Even if art isn’t your thing, it’s an intriguing zone to wander around.
So first up is SCRIPANTE GALLERY on Via Panisperna. The venue is very laid back, with a small bar serving cocktails from 6pm – 2am, or slightly earlier if all you want is a cold beer.
MAXIMA GALLERY on Via Agostino Depretis, currently has some challenging pieces of both sculpture and wall art.
GALLERIA CHIARI on Via Napoli had some tempting items. I couldn’t find a website but they seem to be closed at weekends and on national holidays.
In the area between the American Embassy and the British Embassy I found ROSSO CINABRO on Via Raffaele Cadorna, in the district known as Sallustiana. They exhibit work by figurative and abstract artists, photographers, digital artists and sculptors.
FRANCESCA ANTONINI not far from Piazza Barberini, has some nice work. I personally like Alessandra Giovannoni, born and working in Rome, plus several other Italian artists.
If you’re an artist looking for somewhere to exhibit your own work, take a look at some of the links below:
NVMEN not far from the Colosseum.
MAKEMAKE in the Monti district towards the Roman Forum end.
If you’re looking for a Fine Art workshop vacation you might be interested in a company called THE VISIONARY PROJECTS, who run other kinds of courses around the world. They’re running a course early May with one spot left.
These are just a few from one or two areas of the city, with more to be added as I get chance.
Lazio Escapes 