MILAN.- Circolo, art and design platform founded by Nicole Saikalis Bay, presents a new collaboration in Via della Spiga with the leading international gallery Lehmann Maupin, during a key period for both the Italian and the international art systems, which begins with miart and Milan Art Week.
In line with the founders vision, this collaboration is part of a broader project aimed at creating a hub for gathering, networking, and supporting galleries without a presence in Milan or Italy. The initiative enables the galleries to connect with Milan's cultural dynamism, introducing their artists to the city's public.
Since its inception nearly three decades ago, Lehmann Maupin has indeed established itself as a leading contemporary art gallery with locations in the U.S., the U.K., and Asia, and has been instrumental in introducing international artists in new geographies. Known for championing diverse voices, the gallerys program proudly features artists whose work challenges notions of identity and shapes international culture.
Lehmann Maupins first presentation in Milan, hosted by Circolo, features a group exhibition that foregrounds artists from the program with concurrent museum programming in the region, as well as artists whose work is being presented in Italy for the first time.
The exhibition includes recent works by New York-based artist Nari Ward, whose solo exhibition Ground Break is on view nearby at Pirelli HangarBicocca through July 28th, as well as historic paintings and sculpture by Korean artist Kim Yun Shin, whose work is prominently included in Foreigners Everywhere, the 60th International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia curated by Adriano Pedrosa. Other highlights include works by Kader Attia, Hernan Bas, Loriel Beltrán, Billy Childish, Mandy El-Sayegh, Todd Gray, Nicholas Hlobo, Liza Lou, Lee Bul, Catherine Opie, Alex Prager, and Erwin Wurm.
Circolo is an art and design platform, created by art collectors Nicole Saikalis Bay and Matteo Bay, for emerging and established artists to showcase their works, connect with like-minded individuals, and gain exposure within the wider art community. Contemporary art and design are central to Circolo's research. Its founders are eager to create interdisciplinary connections and dialogues between different mediums within the same space.
Circolo is a community of art lovers, artists, curators, and creatives who are passionate about pushing the boundaries of contemporary art and exploring new frontiers.
In addition to its exhibitions, Circolo hosts a program of events and talks that provide opportunities for visitors to engage with the art community, learn about contemporary art practices, and participate in the creative process.
Circolo encourages critical thinking across disciplines by providing a space to work and exhibit, an environment to create, and a space for the development of ideas.
Taking inspiration from Nicole Saikalis Bays impactful work as a charity patron, consultant, and collector, Circolo hosts the activities of the Saikalis Bay Foundation, in the heart of Milan.