Eugenio Re Rebaudengo
Eugenio Re Rebaudengo is an entrepreneur, collector and curator, eager to share his passion for contemporary art.
He founded ARTUNER in 2013 with the aim of creating an innovative platform for artists and collectors. From then, he organized over 30 international exhibitions with over 100 artists. As a collector, Re Rebaudengo was recognized in the "40 Under 40 Global "by Apollo Magazine in 2017 and 2019 in the" 50 Collectors to watch" from ArtNews.
ARTUNER is an innovative and 'hybrid' art platform that organizes curated exhibitions by contemporary artists, both online and through a program of dynamic of international pop-up exhibitions.
Could you tell us a little more about your background, and where does your interest in art originate?
I was fortunate to have been exposed to contemporary art from a very early age.
When I was about five years old, my mother started collecting and — without realising it — I became immersed in the art world, talking to curators and artists, visiting their studios around the world, and seeing their exhibitions. These experiences built my passion for contemporary art and were fundamental for me to become the collector and art entrepreneur I am today.
How would you describe ARTUNER and how the idea to create it came to your mind?
At ARTUNER we focus on identifying talented artists and nurturing their careers. In order to achieve this goal, we have developed an innovative ‘hybrid’ art platform that stages curated selling exhibitions, both online and through an ambitious programme of pop-up international shows.
While I was doing my Master’s at LSE, I was looking for an innovative model that would be complementary to the ones already existing in the art market, able to offer new opportunities to both artists and collectors. What I devised was essentially ARTUNER in its earliest stage.
Where and how do you find new artists to exhibit?
I spend a lot of time getting to know artists and visiting their studios; if this is done as a full-time activity it’s a great way to scout new talent. I find that one of the best ways in pre-scouting artists is to ask the artists I like for their advice: whose practice they like and follow?
On top of this, one should regularly visit biennials, museum shows and art fairs, although these sometimes can be challenging places to discover new artists, they’re great to see more of the artists you are already familiar with.
Based on your experience, can you explain as to why people begin to collect art?
People start collecting art for a multitude of reasons. What I can say is that it has been such an enriching journey for me that shaped my way of seeing the world. I recommend it to everyone!
Emerging art is a tricky thing. How are you able to identify potential?
This is a question that everyone approaching collecting art asks. Obviously there is not a golden rule to identify talent. With time I believe that it is possible to develop an eye in a way that one can recognise when an artist is doing something special and not just a derivative reproduction of something that already happened. It’s always a combination of factors, but how I try to approach my research is to seek artists that could last the challenge of time and have the potential to be remembered in art history decades down the line.
What is the role of the collector in the world of today’s contemporary art?
The main role is clearly about supporting artistic practice through the acquisition of their works or commissions. Collectors have become increasingly influential in determining the success of artists careers, not only from an individual commercial standpoint but also supporting museums and institutions.
In what direction would you say the art market is heading right now?
The pandemic and current events are obviously creating some major shift in any sector, including the art market.
There is an increasingly important role that the Internet is playing, speeding up a macro trend that has been started in the last ten, fifteen years and that was a critical reason in my decision of shaping ARTUNER to the way it is today. I believe that the art world will keep being global and therefore it’s critical to be able to offer artists a platform to reach a truly international group of collectors and curators.
Could you name five emerging artists to keep an eye on?
David Czupryn, Paul Kneale, Pia Krajewski, Ana Elisa Egreja and Manuele Cerutti.
What are the projects you are most proud of?
The next project that we haven’t done yet.
Website: www.artuner.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theartuner/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theartuner/
