Terna Prize in New York. When Energy Becomes a Form of Art

The exhibit features sixteen artists whose work varies widely and who arrived from Italy to take part and exhibit their work in Chelsea. The group exhibition at the Chelsea Art Museum in New York City was organized around the theme of connectivity and sponsored by Terna, the Italian company that operates the nation’s electricity transmission grid. Bold but necessary choices that are both transparent and far-sighted have allowed Terna to become the new standard for a national firm. Its innovative practices include a comprehensive management system for energy transmission, the creation of the National Control Center, strategic investments over the next four years, respect for the environment, and a concrete interest in sustainability. Aside from its business practices, the company has also been involved with current trends in contemporary art. 

Consul General of Italy in New York Francesco Maria Talò

The curator of the exhibit Gianluca Marziani

Luigi Ontani, winner of the Terawatt prize

Manhattan played host to the winners of the first annual Terna Prize 01. Over three thousand visitors filled the impressive museum located in Chelsea, the Manhattan neighborhood which has held events like this for decades. The area is in fact known as the gallery district because some of the most prestigious art galleries and exhibit spaces are located here. 

Among the curious and devoted art lovers, there were also several famous people in attendance: Maurizio Cattelan and Nicola Verlato, Jeffrey Wright  who played the lead role in Basquiat, and  Sabrina Ferilli, noted actress and long-time partner of Flavio Cattaneo, CEO of Terna.

One of the main objectives of the event was to underscore the international role that Italy plays in contemporary art. During the Terna Prize, in fact, the results of a survey were shared which studied the perception that the American arts community has of Italian contemporary art. It was a useful tool aimed at enhancing the mutual relationship and understanding between the two communities and creating a meeting point from which to embark on a path of growth and exchange. 

The Terna Award Jury was comprised of the Presidential Committee, the Curatorial Committee, and a number of distinguished representatives of art and culture. The general public was also invited to participate by voting online for the People’s Choice Award.  

The artists include Terawatt Award winner Luigi Ontani, Gigawatt Award winner Francesco Arena, Megawatt Award winner Andrea Chiesi, as well as Riccardo Albanese, Elena Baldelli, Gabriele Bonato, Gabriele Giugni, Giovanni Ozzola, Davide Eron Salvadei, Giovanni Albanese, Davide Bertocchi,

Laura Cantrarella, Rocco Dubbini, Raffaela Mariniello, Antonio Riello, and winner of the online-voted People’s Choice Award Hôtel de la Lune.  

The contest competition also seeks to highlight the cultural and artistic goals of Progetto Terna. Each year it will choose a world capital of art and in so doing artists will gain international visibility and will no longer be limited by the confines of their own studios, workshops, and galleries.  

In establishing the Prize, Terna worked closely with independent curator and contemporary art critic Gianluca Marziani Marziani. Marziani commented on plans to improve the competition in the future: “Next year’s contest will have a more international character. The jury will be comprised of leading figures in the art world such as Matthew Higgs, Director of White Columns [8] in New York and Vicente Todolì, Director of Tate Modern Gallery [9] in London.

A new, special category will be added and Connectivity New York will be open to both Italian and international artists working in the Big Apple. The winners of this award will have the opportunity to live in Rome and New York for three months, thanks to the Artist Residency Program, while benefitting from the opportunity to create their work in a city that not only hosts them but above all that inspires them. We are certain that both Rome and New York will be able to do so.” 

Prior to the opening, Director of the Italian Cultural Institute in New York Renato Miracco, along with the Consul General Francesco Maria Talò, observed: “For the past seven years Premio NY has also awarded Italian artists with a period of residence in Manhattan. The objective of these initiatives is to support Italy’s ongoing contribution to international contemporary art.”  
 
For the occasion, the publisher Guido Talarico launched the new magazine Inside Art International. Luigi Ontani’s Electricthrone graces the front cover, and inside there are insightful and reflective articles about the Italian “state of art” in New York for the American public to read.

Translated by Giulia Prestia