The EUI Library's art collection includes works acquired through exhibitions, collaborations, and donations. Much of it originates from the Library's long-standing collaboration with La Tinaia, an art studio based in Florence.
The Library's collaboration with La Tinaia has contributed significantly to the collection. Founded in 1975, La Tinaia is an art studio for people using mental health services. Over the years, it has developed an internationally recognised collection of artworks.
The partnership between the EUI Library and La Tinaia spans more than two decades. In 2005, the Library hosted the exhibition Others Watching, which explored themes of identity, communication, and self-expression. The collaboration continued in 2023 with Others watching: identity and diversity, held as part of Mental Health Month and accompanied by a programme of events exploring the relationship between art and mental health.
Following these exhibitions, the Library acquired a number of artworks by La Tinaia artists, several of which are displayed throughout the Library. The painting shown below is one of the artworks acquired for the collection through the Library's collaboration with La Tinaia.
The collection also includes works connected to exhibitions hosted by the Library. These include photographs donated following the exhibitions Chornobyl Radiation and Ecological Biosphere Reserve – a place where nature became itself again and Surrounded by criminals, as well as photographs gifted by EUI alumnus.
The photograph below is one of the works donated to the Library following the Surrounded by criminals exhibition.
The collection also includes photographs donated by members of the EUI community. The photograph below is one of two works gifted to the Library by EUI alumnus Johannes Ludwig Maria Pelzl following an exhibition at the Badia Fiesolana.
In addition, the collection includes a painting of Stockholm displayed in the Library's Stockholm room. The painting was already part of the Library's collection when the room was named; Library staff later selected the name 'Stockholm room' in a staff vote inspired by the artwork.
Together, these works reflect the different ways the Library's art collection has grown over time through exhibitions, collaborations, and donations. This post features just a selection of artworks from the collection, which may continue to grow in the future.
To learn more about recent Library exhibitions, read the Exploring the exhibition series on the Library blog.