“Art should disturb the comfortable and comfort the disturbed.” These words resonate deeply within the walls of Galleria Ca’ d’Oro. This international contemporary art gallery has locations in Rome, Miami, and right here in New York City.
Galleria Ca’ d’Oro’s story stretches back four generations. It involves Italian writers, artists, and curators. It began with Alpinolo Porcella. He was a writer and artist who befriended Filippo de Pisis and Giorgio de Chirico. His son Amadore Porcella continued the tradition. He became an art critic and writer for L’Osservatore Romano.
In 1945, Amadore founded Galleria San Bernardo in Rome. Later, in 1970, his son Antonio opened Galleria Ca’ d’Oro. It first opened on Via Condotti. Then it moved to Piazza di Spagna before settling on Via Del Babuino. Antonio Porcella significantly shaped Rome’s art scene. He brought artists like Giorgio de Chirico and Salvador Dalí to the city. He also promoted local talents like Renato Guttuso and Renzo Vespignani.
Antonio collaborated with painter Renzo Vespignani in 1982. The Collaboration of ACTAS-Platea Estate took place at Castel Sant’Angelo. In 1983, Antonio helped curate Renato Guttuso’s “Spes Contra Spem” show. He also directed figurative art for the Platea Estate. He collaborated with sculptor Emilio Greco. In 1986, Galleria Ca’ d’Oro showcased Salvador Dalí’s sculptures in Paris at FIAC.
The Porcella family launched La Fondazione Giorgio e Isa de Chirico in 1990. Antonio’s daughter Gloria brought Galleria Ca’ d’Oro to Miami in 2010. Then, in 2014, she opened the New York City location. Today, Gloria Porcella curates Galleria Ca’ d’Oro. She studied at San Diego State University.
The gallery represents a diverse group of artists. These include John Seward Johnson II, Alfredo Rapetti Mogol also known as Cheope, Ewa Bathelier, Erika Calesini, the Cracking Art Group, and Blue and Joy.
Galleria Ca’ d’Oro has participated in major American art fairs since 2013. These include Context Art Miami, Scope New York, Art Wynwood Miami, and Art Southampton. In March 2015, Galleria Ca’ d’Oro New York hosted Carlo Sampietro’s solo exhibition. It was titled “The Street Is In The House.” Sampietro transformed urban elements into art. He used found materials in unexpected designs. The exhibition included “Street Scraper” and “PopDogs”.
Galleria Ca’ d’Oro continues to promote creative talent. It fosters artistic and intellectual exchange. It serves as an important center for both Italian and international art. It stands as a testament to the Porcella family’s dedication to art. Four generations have contributed to its legacy. Each has brought a unique perspective.
As you leave Galleria Ca’ d’Oro remember this. Art challenges perceptions. It provokes thought. It connects us to different cultures. It shows us new perspectives. The Porcella family’s passion lives on through the art displayed here. It is a legacy worth cherishing.