May 21
I work in my gallery today. It is late-May yet summer hasn’t arrived and I still need the heater at my feet – although mosquitoes are starting to emerge. Various people come inside, some of whom ask questions and leave their names in the visitor’s book. Anita, the gallery owner, is here and we chat about her plans to begin an artist residency in Venice and a new collaboration with arts manager Laura Vattovaz, who is just finishing her studies and works a few doors from the gallery.
The neighbourhood is located in the central district of San Marco, which is mostly packed with tourists but our corner is a pocket for local residents. My gallery is just around the corner from the tiny square of Salizada San Samuele – with boutiques, ateliers, and galleries. I am beginning to know most store and gallery owners here. The Alma Zevi gallery sits in the centre and is currently presenting drawings by Berlin-born/London-based painter Frank Auerbach, for his first solo exhibition in Italy since he represented Great Britain in the 42nd Venice Biennale of 1986 – winning the prestigious Golden Lion prize. I am writing a piece on his works, of the gesture and its connection, both physically and metaphorically, to the contemporary art Biennale this year, which will be published here tomorrow.
