Laurent Asscher’s AMA VENEZIA, a vibrant contemporary art destination, brings its extensive collection of American and European art to Venice, cementing the city’s status as a hub for modern and contemporary art.
The collector is bringing his formidable private holdings to Cannaregio, adding weight to La Serenissima’s status as a destination for contemporary art.
Laurent Asscher’s new foundation in Venice, AMA VENEZIA, marks the latest addition to the city’s thriving art ecosystem. As a Belgian businessman and passionate collector, Asscher is bringing his extensive collection of contemporary American and European art to the historic city, creating a space where these exceptional works can be shared with the public.
A Hub for Contemporary Art
Asscher’s decision to establish AMA VENEZIA in Venice was influenced by the city’s growing reputation as a hub for contemporary art. ‘Why Venice? Because it’s clear that this is becoming a real capital of art, like a big hub for contemporary art,’ Asscher explained. The collector’s own experience with the challenging real estate market in Monaco led him to seek a more accessible location, and Venice offered the perfect opportunity.
Contemporary art refers to visual arts produced from the late 20th century onwards.
It encompasses a wide range of styles, including abstract expressionism, pop art, and street art.
Contemporary artists often experiment with new techniques and mediums, pushing the boundaries of traditional art forms.
According to a report by the Art Market Monitor, the global contemporary art market reached $65 billion in 2020.
The art world has become increasingly globalized, with international exhibitions and auctions driving its growth.
A Personal Project
For Asscher, AMA VENEZIA is not just a business venture but a personal project driven by his passion for art and his desire to contribute to Venice’s vibrant art scene. ‘But there are no rules. We’re open to anything,’ he said, emphasizing the foundation’s commitment to showcasing a diverse range of works.
A Collection of Contemporary Masters
Asscher’s collection is one of the most prestigious in the world, featuring key works by American and European artists from the 1960s to the present. From heavy-hitter masters like Cy Twombly and Brice Marden to contemporary stars like Elizabeth Peyton and Salman Toor, Asscher’s holdings are a testament to his dedication to showcasing the best of modern and contemporary art.
Exploring Abstraction
One of the inaugural shows at AMA VENEZIA explores the different ways artists approach abstraction today. The exhibition features works that play on the timely binary between hand and machine, analog and digital, reflecting our own fluctuating existence as technology becomes more deeply integrated into how we express, communicate, perceive, think, and live.
Abstraction is a fundamental concept in computer science and philosophy, referring to the process of representing complex systems or ideas in a simplified manner.
It involves hiding unnecessary details and focusing on essential characteristics, making it easier to understand and work with complex concepts.
In programming, abstraction is achieved through data structures and algorithms that conceal implementation details, allowing users to interact with them at a higher level.
Abstraction has numerous applications in software development, artificial intelligence, and cognitive science.
A Rotating Selection of Works
The foundation’s building, a restored 10,000-square-foot space near the Scuola Grande della Misericordia in Cannaregio, will feature a rotating selection of works from Asscher’s collection. Group exhibitions will kick off the program, but solo exhibitions and future collaborations with other institutions are also on the table.
A New Era for Venice
With AMA VENEZIA joining the city’s existing museums and art institutions, Venice is cementing its status as a destination for contemporary art. As Asscher noted, ‘In Venice, you can come purely for art and dedicate an entire day to it.’ The foundation’s opening marks a new era for the city, one that promises to bring even more creative energy and inspiration to this already vibrant cultural landscape.
