Art enthusiast Lorenzo Fiaschi has made it his life’s mission to bring art to as many people as possible around the world. Since co-founding Galleria Continua in the beautiful Tuscan city of San Gimignano, his success has spread to Paris, Dubai, Beijing, Brazil and beyond. We are thrilled to have partnered with Galleria Continua in Capri, bringing our hotel to life with an array of evocative works. We sat down with Lorenzo to discuss his artistic journey and his first impressions of Capri.

Can you tell us how your journey in art began - what attracted you to the art world?

My journey into art began with an encounter with an elderly person, an artist, who had already travelled a long artistic path. He invited me to his studio. The scents of oil colours, the sight of colour-stained easels, the white canvases, the vibrant canvases, especially the landscapes. All of this touched me, changed me, and guided my first steps into the art world. What drew me into the art world? I believe that art is found in the smallest details everywhere. Art helps foster sensitivity, love for differences and brings people with opposing opinions and ideas together, who, thanks to art, can find synthesis and growth together. That's why I love art.

Can you give us a brief summary of the message and mission of Galleria Continua?

The mission of Galleria Continua is embedded in its name: "Continua" stems from the fact that, along with my two friends Maurizio and Mario, we wanted to acknowledge the past, and the historical roots, while striving to leave something in the present for the future. Moreover, our approach is horizontal: to take art to places where it's often absent, thereby playing a role in decentralisation.

Which qualities do you look for in artists that you feature at your galleries?

In the artists we come across, those who appeal to us, astonish us the most, and open our eyes, are the ones we seek to highlight in our gallery. In Osvaldo, what struck me was his resilience: despite not having the economic means to purchase canvases and paints, he found ways to express himself. He used a roll of adhesive tape and the glazing technique, employing multiple layers to create depth and darkness, while removing layers to introduce light—a technique rooted in traditional painting methods.

The White Gallery at Jumeirah Capri Palace blends classics of the 20th century with newer works - how do you think about that connection between works and artists when thinking about which works to put forward to exhibit in spaces like this?

Spaces that have been lived in, such as a hotel or a home, possess their own character. Choosing artworks or artists to infuse new life into these spaces is a challenge: it adds an extra dimension, an additional character, and that's what intrigues me. I believe the artworks and the space complement each other.

There is a long link between art and the Mediterranean sea - do you think the light and the landscape has a big part to play, or is it something else?

For me, the Mediterranean represents a sea that has facilitated connections between numerous cultures and people, leading to wonderful cultural blends. It's not solely about portraying the sea or landscapes, but rather encapsulating the fusion of influences, beauty, stories, cultures, and memories. The Mediterranean serves as a cultural crossroad, where encounters between different cultures give birth to new ones. 

What is your favourite work of art of all time?

I don't have a favourite artwork. I'm adaptable: my taste, growth, and personal history cause my perspective and outlook to change. Therefore, for me, humanity is the true masterpiece! Art is the product of humanity, of sensitivity. My favourite artwork is culture itself.

What is your impression of Capri?

What amazes me is the contrast that can exist between islands as close as Capri and Procida. This speaks volumes about how an island can be valued and experienced. The essence of an island involves a sense of isolation but also a unique introspection. Both Capri and Procida, so close yet so distinct, left a strong impression on me.

If you've visited Jumeirah Capri Palace, could you share your impressions of the space? Specifically, were there any pieces in the White Museum that resonated with you, and why?

I've been to Jumeirah Capri Palace. I recall terraces with perspective-rich views that harmoniously link the interior with the external landscape. Each artwork finds its place effortlessly. This interplay between architecture and landscape, particularly in this setting, is deeply captivating and induces a sense of well-being.

Jumeirah Capri Palace is home to the White Museum, exhibiting contemporary artists alongside masters of the 20th century.