From the depths of the maison’s heritage to the sprawling horizons of the future, Bulgari gracefully advances in its perpetual endeavours for the beautiful and creative. As part of this, the luxury Italian brand launched the inaugural presentation of the Bulgari Contemporary Art Award in partnership with Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture). We had the opportunity to meet Lucia Boscaini, Bulgari Brand Curator, at the event. She told The Kurator about the strong bond between the brand’s prestigious heritage and its futuristic vision. She also discussed the importance of the Bulgari Contemporary Art Award in supporting new talents and fostering a dialogue between Rome and Dubai.
Tell us about the bond between Bulgari and art.
The Bulgari family has been into art for generations, and this has been significantly infused in the company’s culture; in the 80s, for example, Mr. Nicola Bulgari asked top artists to create artwork for the brand’s offices so it would be part of our DNA. Moreover, the family themselves has long collected contemporary art, and recently has started to actively support the restoration of some of the most important monuments in Rome; preserving not only Roman heritage, but that of the whole world. Patronage in art is something that we feel is our duty to give back to the world community, and in this light, the support of young and emerging talents is very much part of the brand’s culture and spirit. That’s why, six years ago, we launched a collaboration with MAXXI Museum to support young artists around the globe, which is why we want to start something similar here in UAE.
How did exhibitions enhance the brand’s saga over more than a century?
As you mentioned, the company started a long time ago. We are going to celebrate the maison’s 140th anniversary in a couple of years, and the idea is to bring the brand into the future by investing in the younger generation and in their creativity. Bulgari’s creation from the early years until now is absolutely an expression of creativity, innovation, research, and craftsmanship, and all of these are reflected in the artwork that we have here. Therefore, the spirit of the brand is very well-fitting with such awards and art projects.
Why go contemporary while you are on an endeavour to maintain the brand’s heritage?
This is probably the aspect that I like the most about my job, because I strongly believe that the future is solid if it is built on solid heritage. The reason why I, as the heritage curator of the maison, am in charge of such a project is because we believe that past is relevant in supporting the future to create the next generation of heritage.
How important is this collaboration for Bulgari?
It has been a beautiful partnership, as we share the most important values with Dubai Culture. This is represented by our passion for art and the desire to support young and emerging talents, and to give opportunities and visibility to those who are less fortunate. This is the main spirit of this collaboration; the idea of offering an international stage for participating artists, because we appreciate the passion and efforts that those young talents have put into their work.
How do you celebrate the maison’s creative codes through such an event?
The rich inspiration of all the participating artists made an impression on us that led to such an interesting dialogue between Rome and Dubai, fueled by the powerful energy of colours. This award represents an important commitment to supporting contemporary artists, which means investing in a future of ideas, talent and passion. Visiting this exhibition means plunging into an enthralling universe of unbridled creativity, an ode to research and experimentation that perfectly matches Bulgari’s DNA.
How does this serve the relationship with Dubai and the presence of the brand at Expo?
It was important to be here to support Expo, which is celebrating the different cultures around the world in a friendly way, and we really wanted to be part of it. Besides, it is our duty to support young talents and this was a perfect occasion to experience Expo from a perspective that is relevant to the spirit of the Italian Pavilion and its theme, ‘Beauty Connects People,’. It’s also how cities like Dubai and Rome are linked by their inspirational beauty and innovation.
What does Dubai represent to the brand?
Dubai is a combination of joy and positive energy, and beyond that it is very much in tune with Bulgari because of its love for design. The city exhibits elements from its old heritage, as well as those showing its position as the city of the future, where the sky’s the limit.
