BRONZE ISSUE - n° 7 - 2016 - € 10
The Art of Sailing
Austria - Germany - Holland - Belgium - Luxembourg Spain - France - Monaco - Portugal = euro 10,00 - Switzerland - Switzerland Ticino = Chf 10.50 - United Kingdom = £ 7.50 QUARTERLY - Poste Italiane s.p.a. Spedizione in Abbonamento Postale - D.L. 353/2003 (conv. in L. 27/02/2004 n° 46) art. 1, comma 1 – LO/MI
[ ART ON BOARD ]
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by Luciano Stanga
Yachts and the arts have close links. New works by talented artists sail on board sumptuous megayachts, purchased by passionate connoisseurs who create a connection between two apparently very different worlds. Their drive and dedication inspire them to hold events and exhibitions that create a platform for an interchange of ideas
“I
n art, as in every struggle, there are heroes who devote themselves heart and soul to their mission”, said Leo Tolstoy, and for
many aficionados, their mission is art. One of them is Lia Riva (daughter of Carlo, who is also father to a breed of motorboats that have helped shape Italy’s nautical history). She is also a living link between the nautical industry (as president of the Monaco Boat Service, the exclusive dealer in France for these legendary speedboats) and the art world. Lia, who plays a crucial role in the Association of Friends of the Museum of Monaco, is a supporter of contemporary talent and organises various charity events. “I love art. It’s a necessary part of our existence. I do everything I can to support it. As well as finding patrons who can contribute to the life of the museum, I organise exhibitions that create an outlet for new artists. We hold them in the Tunnel. My father created this in 1959 with an explosion in the rock, and now it’s become an evocative venue for exhibitions and cultural activities to bring our clients closer to the art world”. After the success of ArtGenève Lia Riva was busy promoting art monte-carlo, a new salon for contemporary
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and modern art for which she created a small Riva lounge. She has worked
depicting and angel with wings formed by an open book, photographed in
with Christie’s to organise charity art auctions - Lia Riva is also a member
various cities around the world (including Venice, Monaco, Los Angeles and
of the humanitarian organisation MAP (Monaco Aide et Presence), and
Vienna) from 2001 to today. Lia shares her passion for art and photography
also promoted a charitable event with Kerry Kennedy, daughter of senator
with Sergio Beretta and Mauro Micheli, founders of the Officina Italiana
Robert Kennedy. Here guests could admire important pieces by Mimmo
Design, the studio that has designed riva boats exclusively for over twenty
Paladino, a member of the Transavantguarde movement, and photos by
years. “We and Lia share a certain aesthetic sensibility. We soon realised
Henry Benson, including a portrait of Princess Grace and Prince Ranieri.
we had the same love of art, not just as an aesthetic journey but also as a
The list of illustrious visitors to her events includes international magnates,
constant source of inspiration and a way of improving our quality of life”,
and HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco and Princess Caroline (who is president
says Sergio Beretta. “Mauro and I are enthusiasts and collectors (Mauro
of the Museum of Monaco) are regular guests. “I am surrounded by art. I
studied at the Brera Academy). Although we work together frequently and
was very close to Jean-Michel Folon, and the “Atelier Folon” is located just
boats are often the reason we meet, our intellectual give and take with Lia
above my office. The Riva Tunnel is at the service of art, and I like to make
is so strong that these days we talk more about art than about nautical
a small contribution by sponsoring new artists and artists who are having a
matters. For example, we would never miss going together to visit Art Basel
rough time of it. I think there’s work of great value to be discovered there”.
Miami Beach (a big American event for international art)”. Lia was the first
Open to all art forms, she also brought Peter Wüthrich’s “The Angles of
to understand the idea behind the B&CXR project that Sergio and Mauro
the World” to the Tunnel. This exhibition comprised 50 portraits, each
curated and backed several years ago, and gave it her full support. “We
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[ ART ON BOARD ]
brought in two photographer-artists, Mario Cresci and Gabriele Basilico”,
Above: right, A portrait of Princess Grace by Harry Benson; left, an event
says Mauro Micheli, “And we asked them to interpret the Riva yard through
in the Tunnel. Opposite page, the photos by Mario Cresci and Gabriele
the camera”. The result was 100 images (each photographer contributed
Basilico for the B&CXR project developed by Mauro Micheli and Sergio
50) that inspired a striking exhibition and book. “For us it was a homage
Beretta of Officina Italiana Design (in the picture below, with Lia Riva).
to this important yard’s historic base, and we wanted the project to forge
Opening photo, two works of Maurizio Galimberti and (top, right) a
a link between art lovers and boat enthusiasts”. Mission accomplished!
Rashid Johnson TBT, 2011.
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