Milan hosts the first exhibition dedicated to artists trained at the Brera Academy

Speaking of (former) churches: for some time now, the Brera Academy has been using San Carpoforo as a university lecture theatre and, until 3 October, also as a fascinating venue for temporary exhibitions. ‘Magnolia’ is in full bloom there, named after the tree that stands proudly in the Academy’s inner courtyard: it is the first edition of a series intended to become a biennial event, entirely dedicated to artists who trained at the Academy itself. Eighteen artists are taking part: emerging talents are featured alongside those who have already made their mark, with a couple of names that have already made quite an impression on the collectors’ market (Emilio Gola and Roberto de Pinto).

The exhibition programme encompasses the diverse languages of contemporary art: painting and drawing, photography and installation (including performance, of course). The project is curated by Massimo Kaugmann, a lecturer at the Academy, who states (honestly): “A group exhibition can never claim to be exhaustive or flawless in its aims. But like all projects dedicated to young artists, it also aims to be a gamble’. Certainly, the Academy is banking on its past and its future: there are many cultural initiatives on the calendar this year to mark the 250th anniversary of its foundation (1776), whilst we will have to wait a little longer for the new arts campus and its associated student accommodation at the former Scalo Farini site. This major project will be completed in 2029, but the first 500 students will be able to move in as early as next spring. (F.A.)