Starting from these days of December 2024, Palazzo Reali will host a selection of works from the Petignat Collection, the important cultural legacy of Jocelyne and Fabrice Petignat to MASI Lugano. This extraordinary donation of over 650 works is an example of how the passion and commitment of private collectors can enrich the public heritage.
Marina Abramović and Cattelan: A Journey Through the Art of the Last 40 Years
The Petignat Collection stands out for its intimate and personal character, the result of over four decades of field research and a direct and long-lasting relationship with artists. The attention to the Swiss panorama, alongside an international vision, has allowed the Petignats to build a collection that documents the most significant trends in contemporary art over the last 40 years.
The core of the collection consists of works on paper and medium and small format editions, a choice that reflects not only a personal aesthetic but also an interest in innovative techniques and languages. Among the works, creations by today's famous figures such as Marina Abramović, Pipilotti Rist, Wolfgang Tillmans and Nan Goldin stand out, alongside equally prestigious names such as Christian Boltanski, Maurizio Cattelan and Vanessa Beecroft.
The collection is also a testimony to the interaction between art and society, exploring themes such as feminism, the renewal of painting, the advent of video art and the influence of punk. This ability to capture the spirit of the times has made the collection a point of reference not only for Ticino but also for the international artistic context.
Petignat: a deep bond with Ticino
“Ticino represents a special bond for us,” the Petignats said on the occasion of the bequest, “a territory that we have always considered an integral part of our human and cultural journey. We believe that MASI Lugano is the ideal place to preserve and share our collection with the public, ensuring long-term enjoyment.”
A very precious donation for the Lugano museum: “This collection significantly enriches our core of works by Swiss artists of the generation of the 50s and 60s – explains Tobia Bezzola, director of the MASI – but it also offers a look beyond national borders, towards the main European art centres. It is a demonstration of trust that enhances the relationship between the museum and private collectors, with a positive impact for the entire community”.
A step-by-step process to ensure adequate study
The integration of the Petignat Collection into the MASI heritage will take place with a gradual and structured approach. Since last October, two rooms in Palazzo Reali have been dedicated to the inventory of the works, a necessary step to allow for in-depth study and future enhancement. The goal is not only to preserve this extraordinary heritage, but to make it a living resource for the public, through exhibitions and cultural initiatives.
