Beyond Art, Before Sculptures
BABS, the Milanese gallery that transforms works of art into wearable jewelry
BABS, the acronym of Beyond Art Before Sculptures, is the name of an art gallery that opened last October in Via Maurizio Gonzaga 2, Milan. In the heart of the city, a short walk from the Cathedral and the Museum of the 20th Century, this location contains all the essence of art in its various forms. The gallery project is the brainchild of its businesswoman and collector creator, Barbara Lo Bianco, a lover of artistic jewelry and contemporary art. A passion which, as she tells us, was passed down from her mother when she began to give her unique items, specifically created by different artists.
Starting out as the beneficiary of the afore-mentioned works, Barbara began a series of studies that led her to realizing her dream: to transform art not into something to see and admire from a distance, but into something to always carry with you. An authentic fusion between the work, its creator and the person who chose it. “Artistic jewelry is something that is very well suited to this union: it is a powerful and important artistic vehicle that goes among the people and exists within the reach of all those who have chosen to be part of it. You are part of the item and it is part of you.” The gallery agenda foresees a calendar of personal exhibitions in which the jewelry, before becoming a permanent item in collections, dialogues with the other works by the same artist. Sculptures, paintings or photographs can be admired in one of the two specific rooms. Until 24th May, the Israeli artist, Orna-Ben Ami, will be presenting her “wearable sculptures”, an exclusive collection created for the gallery and under the curatorship of Ermanno Tedeschi. A work characterized by the lightness with which a heavy substance like iron has been treated, making it soft and extremely delicate. The Secondary Market, a feature that boasts some of the most significant names in the 20th century artistic world, is also worth mentioning. A sort of recurring theme that characterizes the philosophy of BABS. Just like the great masters of the past, the gallery’s ambition is to create, together with its artists, unique and irreplaceable items. Thus nurturing that ideal of substance and perfection that reflects the taste, aesthetic sensitivity and personality of future collectors.
Starting out as the beneficiary of the afore-mentioned works, Barbara began a series of studies that led her to realizing her dream: to transform art not into something to see and admire from a distance, but into something to always carry with you. An authentic fusion between the work, its creator and the person who chose it. “Artistic jewelry is something that is very well suited to this union: it is a powerful and important artistic vehicle that goes among the people and exists within the reach of all those who have chosen to be part of it. You are part of the item and it is part of you.” The gallery agenda foresees a calendar of personal exhibitions in which the jewelry, before becoming a permanent item in collections, dialogues with the other works by the same artist. Sculptures, paintings or photographs can be admired in one of the two specific rooms. Until 24th May, the Israeli artist, Orna-Ben Ami, will be presenting her “wearable sculptures”, an exclusive collection created for the gallery and under the curatorship of Ermanno Tedeschi. A work characterized by the lightness with which a heavy substance like iron has been treated, making it soft and extremely delicate. The Secondary Market, a feature that boasts some of the most significant names in the 20th century artistic world, is also worth mentioning. A sort of recurring theme that characterizes the philosophy of BABS. Just like the great masters of the past, the gallery’s ambition is to create, together with its artists, unique and irreplaceable items. Thus nurturing that ideal of substance and perfection that reflects the taste, aesthetic sensitivity and personality of future collectors.
