The choice of Marie-Louise Sciò

The architect of the most elegant hotels in the world packs an auction full of his passions. Marie-Louise Sciò (very popular on his account IG), CEO and Creative Director of the Pellicano Hotels Group and founder of the lifestyle site ISSIMO, is thrilled by the special event held in Milan, thanks to her collaboration with Sotheby’s how co-curator of a sale of contemporary art in the auction Contemprary Curated this season, which features works by prominent or rising artists at affordable pricesa proposal designed not only for the usual art loverbut also for emerging collectors.

It is the third time that the London auction house has organized a sale of this type in its Milan office: after having invited Delfina Delettrez Fendi in 2020 and Anna Dello Russo last year, this time it is the spirit of Marie-Louise Sciò, daughter of an American artist and an Italian businessman, to lead the dance.

If you are curious to see his choices, go to Corso Venezia, at number 16: in the casket of Sotheby’s from 11 to 13 July all the lots are on display (the auction is instead open to offers from 8 to 14 July). In addition to the edition curated by Marie-Louise, there are also works by emerging artists, including Robert Nava, Jody Kerwick And Izumi Kato.

Marie-Louise Sciò, do you like the atmosphere of the auctions?
«The auction is pure adrenaline. I love to capture the exact moment a lot is awarded – it’s all so fast and quick. And then it’s fun to look around: the human sample is extraordinary ».

What do you mean?
«Art moves our passions. See the more traditional collector, what he buys because he has to do showing off, the one that instead focuses on a super refined and niche trend. I also love when sales are made over the phone, through a third party, to remain anonymous: I always wonder who is behind that purchase, who wanted that painting “.

You collaborated with Sotheby’s in curating this Milanese auction: did you have fun?
“Very very much. I have a “gut” passion for art. In the midst of so many beautiful proposals, it was difficult to make a selection of the pieces and so I let myself be guided by instinct ».

And where did it lead her?
“To names that are essential to me (the main pieces can be found in the gallery, ed). Like Lucio Fontana or Mimmo Rotella ».

If Marie-Louise Sciò could buy any work of art, even those that are not on the market because they are kept in large museums, what would she be aiming for?
“Hard question. I try my four aces. I would say: a painting by Rothko, a painting by Raphael, one by Kandinsky from the still figurative period and a sculpture by Bernini. Very different artists, styles and eras, but united by the quality of thought combined with the quality of execution. I always look for this combination in a work of art ».

What do you expect from this Milanese auction?
«I love Milan very much, a city full of energy, full of excellent cultural proposals, especially on contemporary art. It is a breeding ground for change. The works that will be in the lots in Corso Venezia speak for themselves: they are very varied, but they all speak to the heart of the beholder. True art works like this ».