Patrizia Sandretto Re Rebaudengo, an Italian collector and philanthropist, has spent decades shaping the international contemporary art scene through her collection of politically engaged works.
Patrizia Sandretto Re Rebaudengo: A Collector’s Journey
For Patrizia Sandretto Re Rebaudengo, art has been a transformative force in her life, opening doors to new perspectives and experiences. As an Italian collector, philanthropist, and museum founder, she has spent decades shaping the international contemporary art scene.
A Passion for Politically Engaged Art
Sandretto Re Rebaudengo’s collecting journey began in 1992 with work by artists of her own generation. She champions artists who create politically and socially engaged works, believing that art should talk about the current moment and anticipate future trends. This approach has led to some notable acquisitions, including a recent monumental installation by Goshka Macuga.
The Sandretto Re Rebaudengo Foundation
In 1995, Sandretto Re Rebaudengo established the foundation in Turin, which has become an observatory for contemporary artistic trends and cultural languages. The foundation supports young Italian and international artists through commissioning and producing new works, as well as promoting their careers and visibility.
Fostering Sustainable Development
The foundation also launched a residency program for young foreign curators, which brings international curators to Italy to immerse themselves in the country’s contemporary art scene. This initiative fosters deeper engagement with Italian contemporary art while increasing international exposure for local artists.
A Commitment to Sustainability
Sandretto Re Rebaudengo is committed to sustainable development in local art communities. The foundation has launched a residency program for international curators in Madrid, which brings young curators from around the world to Spain to travel across the country and organize exhibitions featuring Spanish artists.
A New Project in Venice
The foundation’s newest endeavor is a project in Venice, where Sandretto Re Rebaudengo and her husband have acquired a small island. They plan to transform it into a hub for exploring the intersection of art and sustainability, hosting events centered on this crucial dialogue between creativity and environmental responsibility.
A Collection that Reflects Change
Sandretto Re Rebaudengo’s collection is evenly split in terms of gender, but she acknowledges that this framework feels increasingly reductive. She believes that contemporary art should help us see the world more clearly—and imagine how it might transform.
An Open Mind
For Sandretto Re Rebaudengo, collecting requires an open mind and free independent judgment. She believes that contemporary art has completely changed her life, offering new ways to see the world and cultivate greater tolerance and openness.
- observer.com | For Collector Patrizia Sandretto Re Rebaudengo,
