Archivio Ala contains documentation of fifty years of activity (1964-2014) of the gallerist Salvatore Ala. He was a curious, independent spirit, who made his galleries into workshops in which he provided passionate support for artists. Archivio Ala is listed by the Archival and Bibliographic Superintendence of Lombardy for its outstanding historical value and importance in the field of contemporary art.

Salvatore Ala, patron of the arts and gallerist, established a fertile dialogue on equal footing between Europe and the United States, in which he was able to present the works of many artists well ahead of their subsequent and widespread renown. His initial approach to art came in 1964, through Lucio Fontana. This marked the beginning of a project that involved travel throughout Italy to promote the artist’s works. During these explorations Ala came into contact with other developments in that period, including the work of Piero Manzoni and Mimmo Rotella; Emilio Vedova, in Venice; Alberto Burri and the new generation in Rome.

He also began to travel outside Italy, around Europe: Paris, Frankfurt, London, Amsterdam, meeting artists like Gerhard Richter, Gilbert & George, Daniel Buren.

In the 1970s his focus expanded to include New York, where he began to acquire works by Agnes Martin, Mark Rothko, Ellsworth Kelly, Ad Reinhardt, Robert Ryman, Frank Stella, Andy Warhol and Morris Louis, bringing them to Italy and raising awareness of their importance among collectors.

In 1974 Galleria Salvatore Ala opened its doors in Milan, with the first exhibitions in Europe by Joel Shapiro, followed by a show featuring Agnes Martin; in between, the gallery hosted events by Robert Wilson and his team, making his debut in Italy. The exchange between Milan and New York intensified, [Continues]

GALLERIES:

Galleria Salvatore Ala, Via Mameli 3, Milano [download PDF]
Galleria Salvatore Ala, Piazza Umanitaria 2, Milano [download PDF]
Salvatore Ala Gallery, 32 West 20th Street New York [download PDF]
Salvatore Ala Gallery, 560 Broadway New York [download PDF]
Galleria Salvatore + Caroline Ala, Via Monte di Pietà 1, Milano [download PDF]