An interview with Michele Casamonti, head of the Tornabuoni Art Group

The artwork Senza Titolo is one of the most imposing works by Jannis Kounnelis. You have chosen to present it at Art Basel Unlimited. How was the idea for this project born?

 

I have always been aware of this monumental work by Jannis Kounellis, through the books of Germano Celant and Bruno Corà.

 

I have been a constant collector of this pioneer and protagonist of Arte Povera and when I had the possibility of acquiring this artwork of imposing dimensions, my buyer’s instinct and the art lover in me were fulfilled.  

 

A real conflict arose, for reasons of this work’s aesthetic and historical importance my first desire was obviously to add it to my collection.

 

However, very quickly I began to follow a more rational feeling that the dimensions of this work would not allow me to exhibit it and make the most of it everyday.

 

The first feeling conquered the second and I am very happy to have bought it. As with the work of Dadamaino, an opportunity presented itself to exhibit in a space as majestic and important as Art Basel Unlimited, so I jumped at the chance.

 

Jannis Kounellis is a major protagonist in Arte Povera. How does this work fit into his artistic career?

 

This work concentrates and epitomizes the different themes and artistic research of Jannis Kounellis.

 

In this single work, one can find mixed together in an extraordinary manner, all the different elements of Kounellis’ works from the 80s. In terms of its relationship to space, thanks to its central girder this work fills the entirety of the space in the room in which it is exhibited.

 

Moreover in terms of materials, iron, lead and glass are ‘poor’ materials with which he worked with throughout the 80s.

 

Another aspect in this work, which is equally exciting, is one of the central aspects of Arte Povera: the rapport between man, the artist and nature.

We are before an installation which is a concentration of the spirit of language and of the poetry of Arte Povera. This is neither a painting, nor a sculpture.

 

The frontier between the intervention of nature and the know-how of the artist is difficult to trace as one is a mirror of the other. I find therefore that this work is emblematic of Arte Povera and moreover of Kounellis’ work.

 

What place does Jannis Kounellis hold in the art market today?

 

Kounellis occupies an important position in the international art market today. He is known as one of the leaders of Arte Povera and his works can be found in the most important public and private collections.

 

I think, nevertheless, that the market remains quite restrained compared to the importance and the impact he has had on the art world.

 

I have no doubts about the continuity of his evolution on the art market.