The Embassy of Italy in Sri Lanka is pleased to have cooperated on the 8th edition of “The Collector’s Desk”, a collaboration between Saskia Fernando Gallery and ARTRA Magazine. “The Collector’s Desk”, has the objective of educating collectors, corporates and professionals on art and this edition was focused on contemporary Italian art curated by renowned Italian Gallerist Susanna Orlando, who has been specialising in this field art since 1976.
The event was graced by Her Excellency Rita Giuliana Mannella – Ambassador of Italy to Sri Lanka and Maldives, Susanna Orlando – Founder of Galleria Susanna Orlando, Azara Jaleel – Editor-in-Chief of ARTRA Magazine & Daily ARTRA and Saskia Fernando – of the eponymous gallery, along with a large gathering of invitees. A panel discussion by the four individuals provided the audience with an informative journey of how Italian art has impacted each of the panelists. The discussion began with an introduction to both the Ambassador and Gallerist followed by a discussion on how the Gallerist and Collector had met. The dialogue then shifted to the Ambassador’s vision for featuring Italian contemporary art in “Villa Roma” – the Residence of Italy in Sri Lanka – as a window into a more modern artistic era. The Ambassador and the Gallerist also shared their views on the current presentation of contemporary Italian art.
Her Excellency Rita Giuliana Mannella stated, “Italian art is renowned the world over for being some of the finest creations of mankind and is a significant part of our culture, but often the perception is only that of the old masters. It gives me great pleasure to be here to celebrate the wonderful contributions of modern Italian artists to the world and to delve into the topic of how contemporary Italian art is making an impact here in Sri Lanka. The relationship between our two countries goes back centuries to the times of ancient kingdoms and it is encouraging to see Italian art being made available at diplomatic residences in Sri Lanka.”
Born in Florence, Italy, Susanna Orlando was exposed to art and beauty from a very young age. She followed in her father Angelo Orlando’s footsteps, helping out in his art gallery throughout her childhood before starting the Susanna Orlando Gallery in 1976. After finishing high school, she travelled abroad and accumulated experience in some of the world’s greatest galleries, from New York to Milan. Having observed and studied art in foreign countries, she then applied what she has learnt at her own gallery. Today, the Susanna Orlando Gallery is located at Pietrasanta – the small town inhabited mainly by painters and sculptors thanks to its proximity to the Apuan Mountains (where Michelangelo sourced his marble) – where she carries out her profession and explores the world of art.
Together with the Sapphire Residences and Standard Chartered Bank, this insightful evening focused on contemporary Italian art was held at the Sapphire Residences Experience Centre.
