By Jonathan Paonetti. Cover image by Asia Niero for I’M Firenze Digest.
Passion, love and dedication always pay off. And I am living proof of that.
Immediately after completing my Master’s degree in Art and Management at the Istituto Marangoni Firenze, several doors opened in the art world, including the possibility of achieving my dream of working in one of the most prominent contemporary art collections in Italy. Here’s my journey!
In this article, I will tell you about me, Jonathan Paonetti, and how my learning experience in Florence became the foundation for achieving my goals. The end of my Master’s and the beginning of work in the Roberto Casamonti Collection demonstrate the importance of persevering and pursuing your passions.
HOW I CHOOSE MY MASTER’S IN ART AND MANAGEMENT
After earning my degree in Architectural Sciences, which allowed me to discover my passion for art in all its forms, I decided to pursue my dream career: becoming part of an institution of the art world. Istituto Marangoni in Florence was the school that would allow me to pursue my passions and interests on an international level. More specifically, the Master’s in Art Management was the perfect choice for me as it offered a comprehensive programme covering everything from curatorial work to digital media arts. I also gained valuable experience through two industry projects. The first was with the internationally renowned Phillips auctions; the second was in collaboration with WP Archivio, WP Store and WP Relais, and involved planning the exhibition ‘The Alchemist of Fashion. Unveiling the Formula of Gianfranco Ferré’, part of the Pitti Week calendar in June 2023.
COMPLETING MY MASTER’S DEGREE AND THE JOB OFFER
My beautiful study experience in Art and Management ended in July 2023 with a ceremony at the Franco Zeffirelli Foundation. The event was filled with joy and emotion for me as I celebrated with my colleagues and teachers.
The next step was to find a job and apply everything I had learned over years of studying. A few weeks after graduating in Art Management, I received a call from one of the most important contemporary art collections in Italy, the Roberto Casamonti Collection. Founded in 2018 by Roberto Casamonti, an internationally renowned gallerist, his private collection features more than 100 years of art history, including artworks by masters such as Picasso, Dalí, De Chirico, Kounellis, Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat. I was delighted to become part of this prestigious institution in a city like Florence, which is so rich in history and culture.
THE NEW EXPERIENCE IN FIRENZE AS ART AND MANAGEMENT PRO
Upon entering the Palazzo Bartolini Salimbeni, a Renaissance gem in Piazza Santa Trinita, where the Roberto Casamonti Collection is housed, I found myself surrounded by artworks by artists I had only known through books.
The first great experience was the opportunity to observe and assist in the communication process on social media for a site-specific project that began many months earlier and was inaugurated on September 21, 2023: “Pezzi di Pace” (Pieces of Peace) by the artist Felice Limosani, an interpreter and innovator of Digital Humanities and expert in expressive avant-gardes and emerging languages, curated by Sonia Zampini, Director of the Roberto Casamonti Collection. The work, a rotating obelisk of mirror-polished steel on a reflecting surface of water, was installed inside the courtyard, creating various reflections on the theme of Peace. This experience, which will last until January 28, 2024 – when the artworks will be removed – allowed me to communicate with visitors, make the Collection known, share my passion, and learn something new every day. Achieving this goal was a dream come true for me.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE FUTURE
Over the past year, many things have happened, and I have gained a great deal of knowledge. As I look towards the future, I expect to be able to continue on my path and nurture my passion for art management every day. I am aware that my journey is only beginning, and I’m eager to know where it will take me. In light of this, I would like to share some advice with my peers: never give up and always keep moving forward, even in the face of obstacles. Dreams do come true, so never lose hope!
