From Florence to New York City, Art gallery Amanatia to occupy former CBGB

Once remembered as the legendary home of rock and roll, punk, and dance, CBGB will now become a hub for the arts. The famed venue will be featuring the works of emerging Italian painter Leonardo Meoni in his first ever solo exhibit in New York City.

Art gallery Amanatia was founded by two art world heirs: “Caio Twombly, grandson of Cy Twombly, and Tommaso Rositani Suckert, whose great-uncle, Curzio Malaparte, was a leading Italian artist, writer, and filmmaker who became a war correspondent and diplomat during World War II”. For them, Amanita was a way to celebrate their passion for the arts and “invest in emerging Italian and international artists”.

Though founded and established in Florence, Italy where Amanita experienced great success, they saw a need to expand to New York as they began working with more artists. “Having a large base in New York is a pretty special opportunity to offer artists, particularly younger ones, so we decided to take on the challenge and the risk of doing this,” explains Jacob Hyman, who came on as Head of Sales and Exhibitions. Therefore, New Yorkers will have the chance to witness the refreshing image-making approach of Leonardo Meoni with his works on all velvet.

With a few days left in its grand opening, it has already become a meeting place for artists and the art community. The CBGB venue offers over 3,000 square feet of exhibition space and even more space for artists to use as a studio. CBGB fans have also flocked to 313 Bowery admiring the newly renovated art space. Hence, the Amanatia team only hopes it will remain a way to build community and bring CBGB to its roots.

-Esther Marcos