Flavia Nespatti to Launch Antesala, a New Commercial Art Gallery in London

The Brazilian-born art collector and patron Flavia Nespatti will open a new commercial gallery named Antesala in London this October. Located in a mid-century industrial building in the Fitzrovia neighborhood, the gallery will highlight art and artists from Latin America. According to the Art Newspaper, the gallery aims to serve as a hub for contemporary art exhibitions and discussions.

Antesala's Focus on Latin American Art

Antesala will organize both primary and secondary market exhibitions in collaboration with various stakeholders, including galleries, artists, estates, and nonprofits. Nespatti envisions the space as a gathering point for exhibiting and collecting contemporary art, although it will not represent artists directly. Instead, collaborators will pay a combination of flat fees and commissions on sales.

The first exhibition, titled “Assembly Lines,” will showcase drawings from Latin America and is set to open on October 10. The gallery will also host talks, screenings, and other public programming, emphasizing the importance of engaging with the art community.

Operational Model and Advisory Services

Nespatti clarified that Antesala is a commercial project and not a privately funded nonprofit. “This is a commercial project,” she stated, emphasizing the need for the gallery to be financially sustainable. The space will offer curatorial and strategic advisory services tailored to collections, with fees based on client needs.

Senior director Laura González, who previously led the Latin American department at Phillips auction house in New York, will co-manage the gallery. This partnership aims to leverage González’s expertise in the art market to enhance the gallery's offerings.

Public Engagement and Future Plans

By creating a platform for Latin American art, Antesala seeks to foster dialogue and appreciation for contemporary artworks. Nespatti and her team will be actively involved in curating shows and engaging with the audience, ensuring that each exhibition reflects their vision and commitment to the art community.

The gallery's opening is highly anticipated, and it aims to attract art collectors, enthusiasts, and the general public interested in exploring contemporary Latin American art. As Nespatti puts it, “I must abide to a certain budget; it needs to pay for itself.”