Balanced Palette
Through color and symbolism, Sante Visioni invites 51 East guests into a visual symphony where every brushstroke tells a story.
The culinary creations of chef Francesco “Paco” La Monica have been attracting Members to the third floor since 51 East opened in April.
The new eatery has now added to its Italian connection with a feast for the eyes: a collection of remarkable works by Italian artist Sante Visioni, a longtime friend of La Monica.
“I consider cooking another kind of art,” says Visioni, “and chef Paco and I have a very similar approach.” This search for balance, he adds, is what drives his creativity. “My paintings are the result of a process that has a lot in common with a very rational approach to art.”
Although subtle, this rationality infuses Visioni’s creations with meticulous harmony. Beyond being visually stunning, his art reflects personal experiences and emotions; he channels sensations from his surroundings, whether the vibrant energy of Tokyo or the echoes of past relationships. Music also plays a significant role in his process. Carefully curated playlists accompany his painting sessions and influence the depth and intensity of the images that emerge.
The artworks chosen for display at 51 East are not mere adornments but vibrant expressions of Visioni’s artistic odyssey. They offer a glimpse into his exploration of emotion and personal narrative. Each bears the mark of his meticulous process and effort to strike a delicate balance between chaos and harmony.
Their creation was also deeply introspective. “Some of the artworks displayed at the Club were originally featured in my 2023 exhibition ‘Decade: I was fine before you came,’ a series that I painted after a breakup and which allowed me to create a dialogue between my past and present,” Visioni reveals. “This process brought me back to 10 years earlier, when I was part of the punk scene.” Each brushstroke, he explains, served as a cathartic release as he channeled his emotions onto the canvas, looking for inner answers in a process of self-discovery.
The selection process for Visioni’s artworks at 51 East was deliberate, and even their placement is informed by his creative approach. “Since I’m very obsessed with the concept of balance, I think the way they are displayed—three smaller ones on one side and the big one on the other side—really makes the room more vibrant and appealing.”
Looking ahead, Visioni aspires to continue evolving as an artist, sharing his vibrant creations with audiences worldwide; he recently displayed his art in Bogota, Colombia, and he’s currently preparing a new show in Miami. As his works bring the walls of 51 East to life, they transcend cultural boundaries and invite viewers into a world where balance, harmony and creativity converge, affirming the transformative power of art.
Artworks available for purchase. Inquire at 51 East.
Words: Lisa Wallin
Image of Sante Visioni: Yuuki Ide
