Luziah Hennessy Pairs Art with Wineries in 2nd Treasure Hunt
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If Luziah Hennessy’s surname sounds familiar then you’re either a fan of cognac or fine art. If you’re a fan of cognac they you’ll know Luziah as the H of LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton – the France-based luxury goods company which is home to 70 dLuziah Hennessy Pairs Art with Wineries in 2nd Treasure Hunt
If Luziah Hennessy’s surname sounds familiar then you’re either a fan of cognac or fine art. If you’re a fan of cognac they you’ll know Luziah as the H of LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton – the France-based luxury goods company which is home to 70 distinguished brands including the likes of Louis Vuitton, Bulgari, Dior, Dom Pérignon, Givenchy, and TAG Heuer, to name but a few. Luziah’s connection with cognac is through her husband Gilles Hennessy who is from the seventh generation of descendants of the founder of the eponymous cognac brand, which was established in 1765 by Richard Hennessy. And as for her connection with art, well, Luziah is not only an avid art collector and patron, she is also the founder of the innovative “ART of the Treasure Hunt” initiative.Luziah launched “ART of the Treasure Hunt” in 2016, combining her passion for art and fine wine. And the inaugural event was such success that it warranted a second edition in 2017, which is currently taking place until October 31. Created as an opportunity to examine and explore the powerful impact that contemporary art has when juxtaposed in a traditional setting, “ART of the Treasure Hunt” is a curated art experience that situates the work of emerging and established contemporary artists within the context of world-renowned wineries. The inaugural event included seven of the leading wineries in Chianti Classico and featured works by the likes of Anselm Keifer, Robert Wilson, Isaac Julien, Mark Handforth, Ibrahim Mahama, Massimo Listri, Giulia Piscitelli, and Mahmoud Bakhshi.This year’s “ART of the Treasure Hunt: the Grand Tour” is based in the historic wine region of Chianti in Tuscany, Italy where a fine selection of the region’s leading wineries and villas have been paired with works of art by a broad spectrum of emerging and established international artists. Curated by Kasia Redzisz, senior curator at Tate Liverpool, “ART of the Treasure Hunt: the Grand Tour” 2017 showcases the work of artists including Yan Fabre, Jannis Kounellis, Laura Lima, Kiki Smith, Not Vital, Robert Wilson, Zaha Hadid, Bruno Bralfperr, Cabelo, Vivian Caccuri, Henrik Håkansson, Massimo Listri, Hrair Sarkissian, Michele Spanghero, in the leading wineries of Colle Bereto, Castello di Brolio, Felsina, Villa di Geggiano, Castello di Volpaia, and Borgo San Felice.“‘The Art of the Treasure Hunt’” is a journey through Chianti in search of its hidden gems,” Redzisz explains. “A result of collaboration between passionate art and wine lovers, this unique project features works by international artists displayed in the finest wineries of the region. Sculptures, installations, photographs and films punctuate the oenological grand tour through sensations. The participants of the hunt travel across the area relishing its aromas, colours and scents. Their experience oscillates between the old and the new – they contemplate contemporary art in the shadow of ancient cellars while savouring new oil and tasting aging wine. By blending distant temporalities ‘The Art of the Treasure Hunt’ reveals the spirit of the place rather than the spirit of time.”To find out more about this year’s “ART of the Treasure Hunt: the Grand Tour,” BLOUIN ARTINFO’s Nicholas Forrest got in touch with Luziah Hennessy and asked her a few questions.What was the inspiration and motivation to launch ART of the Treasure Hunt?Tuscany is a place to discover as there are so many secrets and no two places are the same. They all make wine, some better than others, and some very small charming places make excellent wines for those in the know. Each of my locations is different and I wanted to share this with my friends.As an art addict I wanted to add art to the equation and make it a surprise. We all have the soul of a child and delight in discovering the secrets of new places.......What is the aim and mission of the ART of the Treasure Hunt? It is difficult today for young artists to have a platform to show their works. I hope to show young artists in unexpected settings that are living working spaces. Together with masterpieces from established artists like Not Vital in the amazing setting of Castello Brolio, which dates from the 13C, sharing the treasure hunt together is a great mix for a new platform.How do you choose which wineries and which artists to include in the tour?The wineries are chosen because they make excellent wines. They all must have wine ratings of 90 points and above. Then they are included because their setting/location all have a unique story to tell – eg Felsina was a resting place for pilgrims going to Rome in the Middle Ages.The artists are chosen by our curator Kassia, senior curator from Tate Liverpool. The artists and the galleries choose the location they want.What does the pairing of wineries with art offer the viewer that is different and unique?People come to Tuscany for vacation and to have a great experience. They want to try Tuscan wines and enjoy new surroundings. Now they have a cultural experience that heightens their senses and I hope that they enjoy the new unexpected dimension of their holiday. Read more