Black walls and suffused lighting, Italian Tramer Art Lounge immediately stands out as something new and different from most art galleries in town. In fact, it has been conceived by its founder, Italian photographer Maddalena Patrese, as a space of encounter for artists and art lovers in the vibrant community of West Hollywood.
Since the opening in Spring 2014, Italian Tramer has presented a varied program for all tastes, featuring Italian and Italian American artists. Among them were photographers Andrea Marino, Alessandro Barattelli, and Antonio Di Cecco; painters Jeff Iorillo and Marcello Pozzi; fashion designer Chiara Rodoni; and actress and author Romina Caruana.
The latest show took place on December 5 at 7 pm, with the participation of actresses Romina Carrisi (The Past is a Foreign Land) and Tea Falco (Me and You) and fashion artisan Nicolas Luciani, and it was organized in collaboration with Building Bridges Art Exchange.
Maddalena, how did you come up with the idea of this peculiar venue?
After graduating in filmmaking, my passion for cinema and photography brought me to Los Angeles, where I decided to create a multifunctional space for artists to meet and share their experiences, ideas, and means of expression. From photography to painting, from fashion design to literature, I’d like to promote all different kinds of art, in particular but not exclusively through the works of young Italians. Italy still has a lot to say in terms of creativity and product quality, yet we need to open to the local artistic community as well.
What about the name “Tramer?”
I invented the word, a combination of “traveller” and “dreamer” that refers to the artist’s inner journey. This is the main idea behind all the exhibits and events taking place at the Lounge, including my landscape photos that are permanently on view and – just like any other art object showcased at Tramer – on sale to the public.
What is the distinctive feature of Italian Tramer Art Lounge?
The fact that it isn’t just another art gallery but rather a lounge, a cozy space dedicated to all art enthusiasts, who can stop for a while to enjoy good company, cultural initiatives, and Italian food. For this reason, I also had the walls painted black instead of the usual white, which may emphasize the artworks but feels too cold and intimidating.
In regards to the exhibitions, curator Anna Dusi (Building Bridges Art Exchange) and I intend to host a different artist each month, in a field or the other. And I’d also like to involve design manufacturers, in order for any object in the lounge to be created by an artist and offered on sale.
Have you already established contacts and collaborations with the local institutions?
We are promoting Italian Tramer and its initiatives within the local Italian community, but we are also willing to collaborate with American institutions that share our interest in art. The city of Los Angeles offers a lot of opportunities to those who can seize them, and Anna already has established key contacts through her work at Building Bridges Art Exchange.
Anna, what did persuade you to join Maddalena’s dream?
I like challenges and new adventures. I’ve been working with a non-profit organization for 8 years, so I’m well aware of the difficulties and risks, especially over the last few years. Maddalena and I believe in what we do, trying to give our own contribution to the world of art through a simple but high-quality project.
What kind of feedback have you received so far?
I can see a huge potential. The L.A. public is demanding but also open-minded, curious, and intrigued by this new concept of meeting place that stimulates creativity and dialogue.
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