Raffaelli Art Studio began its exhibition activities in 1984, focusing on painting in all its various forms. In recent years, the gallery has expanded its research to include contemporary sculpture, photography, and video art.
The Space
Studio d’Arte Raffaelli was founded in Trento in 1984 by Giordano Raffaelli. For the opening exhibition, the gallery owner selected the Trentino artist Tullio Garbari, setting a clear direction for the gallery’s future: contemporary painting in all its forms. In recent years, Studio d’Arte Raffaelli has expanded its focus to include sculpture, photography, and video art.
read more +
From its early years, the gallery has developed a strong program based on direct relationships with its artists, fostering productive international collaborations while deepening its exploration of Italian and Trentino art.
In 2005, Giordano Raffaelli relocated the gallery from Via Travai to the 16th-century Palazzo Wolkenstein, where it remains today. This move was ahead of the trend of repurposing historical buildings by integrating them with contemporary art.
DAfter a meticulous restoration project led by Manuela Baldracchi’s studio, stunning frescoes were uncovered (previously hidden beneath layers of plaster), which now cover the vaulted ceiling of the main exhibition hall. These frescoes extend into the ancient cellars of the palace, featuring a unique depiction of Bacchus, attributed to the school of Romanino. According to correspondence between Cremonese violinist Francesco Galoardi and his pupil, Count Wolkenstein, a Mozart concert is believed to have taken place in the palace’s halls in 1771.
The gallery’s historic setting serves as a continuous source of inspiration for artists, often leading them to create thematic or site-specific installations. One notable example is the 2017 exhibition by Chinese artist Hu Zi, dedicated to the figure of the great Austrian composer Mozart.
The Artistic Program
The artistic program of Studio d’Arte Raffaelli is characterised by collaborations with prominent American artists from 1980s New York, such as Donald Baechler – who designed the globe logo, the symbol of the gallery – Philip Taaffe, Peter Schuyff, James Brown, and Ross Bleckner. Moreover, Giordano Raffaelli was the first Italian gallery owner to organise an exhibition for an African artist in 1991 with Chéri Samba, initiating a series of ongoing collaborations with South African artists like Willie Bester, Jane Alexander, Zanele Muholi, Jackson Nkumanda, and Conrad Botes.
read more +
By personally visiting the studios of international artists, Giordano Raffaelli has continued his research, alternating between organising exhibitions of renowned masters and discovering new talents such as Brian Belott, Matt Phillips, Taylor McKimens, and Katarina Janeckova. Studio d’Arte Raffaelli also works with several leading Italian artists, including Francesco Clemente, Sandro Chia, Fulvio di Piazza, Laurina Paperina, Salvo, Luigi Ontani, and Nicola Samorì.
The gallery has participated in major international art fairs and has maintained strong relationships with institutions since its inception, leading to the organisation of significant exhibitions in both public and private external spaces. Since 2016, Studio d’Arte Raffaelli has conceived ARTE FORTE, a biennial contemporary art event held in the fortresses of Trentino, in collaboration with the Autonomous Province of Trento, the Trentino Historical Museum Foundation, and the Mart Museum in Rovereto.
Giordano Raffaelli also serves as the regional delegate for the Triveneto area for ANGAMC – the National Association of Modern and Contemporary Art Galleries, as President of UAC – the Union of Contemporary Artists, and as Vice-President of ASPART, the Association of Art Galleries of Trento and Rovereto. Since 2016, he has been listed in the Register of Expert Consultants for Antiquities and Works of Art at the Court of Trento.
The team
In 2016, Giordano’s son, Davide Raffaelli, in collaboration with Camilla Nacci, opened the gallery “Cellar Contemporary.” The concept behind the gallery emerged from the idea of an “art cellar,” a space where young talents can grow and thrive within the contemporary art scene. The two galleries maintain a close relationship, regularly exchanging project ideas.
read more +
Giordano Raffaelli is now supported by his children, Virginia and Davide Raffaelli, alongside Camilla Nacci, who has been working at the gallery since 2013. Together, they bring fresh ideas to the exhibition program, while also managing external events and the gallery’s online channels. Since 2018, the Raffaelli Viewing Room has hosted a virtual program that runs in parallel with the physical exhibitions.
