On the occasion of Frieze London, one of the leading international platforms for contemporary art, the Embassy of Italy in London opened the doors of Ambassador Fabio Cassese’s Residence for ITALY@FRIEZE, an initiative showcasing the richness and dynamism of the Italian art scene to an international audience.
The project brought together different generations, artistic languages and sensibilities, juxtaposing leading figures of post-war Italian art with contemporary artistic practices and highlighting the evolution of artistic expression in Italy.
“The Embassy of Italy is particularly pleased to host an initiative such as ITALY@FRIEZE on the occasion of Frieze London,” said Ambassador Fabio Cassese in his opening remarks. “Frieze is one of the most important international platforms for contemporary art, and London, with its extraordinary cultural vitality, is an essential meeting point for artists, galleries, collectors, institutions and audiences from across the world. We therefore felt that this was a wonderful opportunity to bring a distinctive Italian presence to the heart of this international fair.”
The exhibition featured works by Lucio Fontana and Alighiero Boetti, alongside those of Paola Pivi and Enrico David. These were complemented by works by Agostino Bonalumi, Remo Salvadori, Bice Lazzari, Marta Pierobon, Amedeo Polazzo, Elisa Sighicelli and Alessandra Spranzi, presented by Italian galleries participating in Frieze. Painting, photography, sculpture and installation came together to reflect the diversity of artistic approaches and the enduring spirit of experimentation that characterise Italian art.
Curated by Elena Geuna, the exhibition brought the artworks into dialogue with the neoclassical setting of the Ambassador’s Residence, where the historic character of the interiors provided a striking counterpoint to contemporary artistic experimentation. The initiative was made possible through the collaboration of the Collezione FOLCO, the Fondazione Sandretto Re Rebaudengo and the galleries Apalazzo, Herald St, Moshe Tabibnia, P420, Richard Saltoun, Robilant and Rossi & Rossi.
As part of Frieze London, ITALY@FRIEZE provided an opportunity for artists, institutions and an international audience to connect, highlighting the role of cultural diplomacy in strengthening relations between Italy and the United Kingdom. For one evening, the Ambassador’s Residence became a space for discovery and exchange, where artworks from different periods and artistic perspectives conveyed the vitality of Italian artistic production.
Held alongside Giornata del Contemporaneo – Italian Contemporary Art Day, ITALY@FRIEZE reaffirmed the Embassy’s commitment to promoting Italian contemporary art and supporting artistic research. The initiative underscored the role of culture as a vehicle for mutual understanding and international engagement in the heart of London, one of the world’s leading art capitals.
