The Digest | New Jersey Magazine
Issue link: https://magazines.vuenj.com/i/925836
B oth Quismondo and the owners agreed to keep the original bones of the building but transformed its signature L shape into a rectangle. e new addition and wall- to-wall glass allows for an abundance of light as well as plenty of exhibition space to be explored. Magazzino also features a 5,000-volume library to serve as a place of study and conversation and at the center, a courtyard with a re- flecting pool. During the design, it was important for Quismondo to keep the same struc- ture and make sure the natural materi- als remained intact. He ended up ex- posing many of the building's original metal beams and keeping its concrete flooring—both which hark back to the principals of the Arte Povera era. Its stark, fortress-esq exterior while fore- boding, Quismondo mentioned is in- tentional. "e architecture should take a step back and allow the art to speak by itself. We're trying to disappear a little bit." e current artwork on display at Magazzino—almost all of which has never been shown in the U.S.—is a com- bination of pieces from Stein, herself, and artists who share her same passion and vision. e collection spans over four decades, highlighting past Arte Povera patrons along with the next and newest generation that Olnick, Spanu and Calabrese selected. "e last room of Magazzino is dedicated to younger artists," said Calabrese. "ey're part of the show not because they're involved in Arte Povera, but because they rep- resent Margherita. ey never got to meet her but she's their mentor—they felt close to her mission in bringing Italian art to the U.S." Aside from exhibitions, Magazzi- no aspires to also act as a medium for Italian art education. Over the next year, the space will welcome screen- ings, lectures and performances that in turn, will help continue to expand the conversation to audiences outside of Europe. A large part of why Olnick, Spanu and Calabrese started this project in the first place was because they, like Stein, felt that Italian art was underrepresent- ed in America. And although Magazz- ino's debut exhibition is rooted in the past, Calabrese hopes that their initial tribute to Arte Povera and Margherita Stein lays the groundwork for future, more contemporary programs. Whether you're looking for traditional, contemporary, casual, or classic, our gracious staff will help you choose pieces that reflect your individual sensibility. VUE ON ART