Entering a law firm and feeling as though you are in an art gallery: this is what happens at the offices of Luciano | Ballo & Partners in their Padua and Rovigo locations. Gianluca Ballo and Alessandro Luciano’s passion for collecting is evident - a love that began long ago and is so essential they literally want it before their eyes at all times. This passion has also driven them to provide professional legal assistance for the protection of artists.
Let’s start from the beginning: when did the love at first sight with art occur?
G.B. My first memory goes back to childhood. During a trip to Assisi, I was struck by the San Damiano crucifix in the Basilica of Santa Chiara. It seemed to return the visitor’s gaze, creating a profound dialogue between the artist and the observer.
A.L. I came to art in 2003. It was an exhibition dedicated to Miró and Kandinsky at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice. From that moment, I’ve been attracted to abstractionism: it allows me to enter a dreamlike dimension of chasing colored lines and marks that seem to represent imaginary worlds.
In the diverse landscape of contemporary art, how do you orient your preferences?
G.B. I prefer the 20th century, a period where cultural and social changes pushed artists toward new codes of communication, even if these no longer reflect contemporary society.
A.L. I am particularly drawn to abstractionism and Futurism. The former because it moves away from reality to express inner feelings through pure forms, colors, and lines; the latter because it celebrates boldness, dynamism, and technology.
A long-standing passion for collecting that led the two lawyers to surround themsel ves with masterpieces, even in the workplace
What guides you at the moment of acquisition: intuition, instinct, or an in-depth study of the artist?
G.B. I experience a sort of falling in love, a tension that is initially irrational, followed by an in-depth study of the artist that is proportional to the emotion evoked.
A.L. I am certainly guided by emotion, admiration for the painting, and the desire to possess it to bring harmony and beauty into my workplace. We shouldn’t overlook the investment aspect.
Analysts suggest that art, despite market fluctuations, offers the highest returns in the medium-to-long term. Do you take this into account?
G.B. This is the aspect least related to the sensations transmitted by the work. It is difficult to understand why one piece achieves more commercial success than another. Often, it is a matter of fleeting trends resulting from the actions of skilled and wealthy market operators. Generally, the public tends to confuse cultural value with its valuation
A.L. I start with an evaluation of the artist’s history and his market; I continue by investigating authenticity and provenance, working alongside consultants and experts to avoid errors or acquiring forgeries. I am also interested in emerging artists: with a small margin of risk, they can offer interesting opportunities in the medium-to-long term.
The work that has given you the most satisfaction, which you would never give up.
G.B. I especially love sculpture, which assertively imposes its physical presence in a room. Francesco Messina and William McElcheran are artists whose works I would never part with.
A.L. I find the works by Carlo Sciff and Cinzio Veneziani particularly rewarding
"In the presence of a work of art, I experience a sort of falling in love - an irrational tension, followed by a study of the artist that is proportional to the emotion stirred"
Gianluca Ballo
What does it mean to you to work surrounded by paintings and sculptures?
G.B. A work of art triggers a virtuous cycle that makes you feel better and, therefore, work better. Beauty has always been the best medicine for the soul.
A.L. Introducing art into the workplace reduces stress and increases the creativity and well-being of collaborators, while also making the firm’s image more prestigious.
And the effect on clients?
G.B.: A desire to know more and to understand the reasons why that specific work was chosen. Not infrequently, clients show interest in purchasing works by the same artist.
A.L.: The presence of art communicates values such as creativity, attention to detail, and prestige. It facilitates the relationship with the client and increases the perception of our firm’s reliability and modernity.
A piece of advice for a young collector.
G.B.: Follow your heart. There are works that speak in silence, and they don’t always need to go to auction to be noticed.
A.L.: Follow your passion, study the market, visit exhibitions and galleries, trust your instinct, and surround yourself with trusted professionals
"Introducing art into the workplace reduces stress and increases creativity and well-being for staff, while also enhancing the prestige of the firm's image"
Alessandro Luciano
