Founded in 1997 by Tim Van Laere, the gallery is known for its innovative exhibitions and forward-thinking program, supporting artists capable of opening new dialogues in contemporary art. On November 18, 2023, it opened a second space in Rome, in the seventeenth-century Palazzo Donarelli Ricci on Via Giulia. Drawn by the city’s layered history, the gallery sees Rome as an ideal ground for dialogue and experimentation for its artists.
“The gallery’s program is structured around a balance between emerging and established artists. The selection process is intuitive yet rigorous, grounded in a strong trust in the artist’s vision and its consistency over time. It is essential to build meaningful and long-term collaborations, rather than chasing short-term trends. We are a gallery for artists, and we aim to accompany them in their journey, supporting the development of their work and their ongoing dialogue with the history of art.”
Rome remains one of the most symbolically charged cities in the world. Choosing Rome often stems from the desire to engage with this historical and cultural density. It offers a unique dialogue between antiquity and contemporaneity, which can provide an extremely fertile ground for artists and galleries willing to embrace this tension.
The gallery was founded in Antwerp in 1997, with a clear vision: to support emerging artists and build long-term relationships. The inaugural exhibition reflected this approach, which still defines its identity today. Were it to open now, the spirit would remain the same, grounded in research and conviction, even if the context has profoundly changed.
The space chosen for the gallery in Rome reflects an intentional dialogue between contemporary artistic practice and the city’s layered history. Located on Via Giulia, one of the streets most charged with historical resonance, the gallery is situated within a context where Renaissance urban planning meets the rhythms of everyday life.
What drew us to Via Giulia in particular was this tension between intimacy and historical weight. It is a street that embodies continuity, where past and present coexist in a tangible way. The gallery moves within this dynamic, offering a contemporary perspective while remaining rooted in Rome’s stratified identity.
The gallery’s program is structured around a balance between emerging and established artists. The selection process is intuitive yet rigorous, grounded in a strong trust in the artist’s vision and its consistency over time. It is essential to build meaningful and long-term collaborations, rather than chasing short-term trends. We are a gallery for artists, and we aim to accompany them in their journey, supporting the development of their work and their ongoing dialogue with the history of art.
