From left to right: Jennie Schueler, Jennifer Bacon and Filippo Fossati at the Downtown Alliance Art Fair, NYC 1997
esso began its journey as *esso gallery*, rooted in the vibrant Lower East Side of Manhattan, New York City, founded in 1996 by Jennifer Bacon and Jennie Schueler joined in 1997 by Filippo Fossati. From the outset, esso became a crucial bridge between the European and American art worlds, introducing significant Italian artists to the American audience while also amplifying the global presence of American artists. Through publishing catalogues, monographs, and organizing exhibitions across Italy and Europe, esso fostered a cultural exchange that resonated on both sides of the Atlantic.
Over time, esso evolved from a traditional gallery into a more dynamic and adaptive enterprise. In 2009, we shifted our focus to artist collaborations, project productions, and consulting services, allowing us to extend our influence beyond the confines of a physical gallery. This transition was further amplified in 2013 when esso launched a groundbreaking art model in the Piedmont region of Italy. This initiative brought art into the heart of communities through an outdoor sculpture park, a public library, an ethnologic museum, and food, fostering deeper connections between art, nature, and local culture.
In 2019, esso embarked on a new chapter by relocating its headquarters to the serene hamlet of Andes, nestled in the Catskills Mountains. This move reaffirmed our commitment to integrating art into social environments, enriching both cultural and natural settings.
Today, esso stands at a crossroads, continuing its legacy of bridging cultures and supporting the global art community. We are adapting to the ever-evolving art landscape, reaffirming our commitment to nurturing artistic talent and fostering cultural exchange in innovative ways. As we navigate this transition, we remain dedicated to creating spaces where art and life intersect, enriching the experience of art for all.
Recognizing the need for a personalized approach to the ever-evolving art market, we launched esso artvisory. This service was born from our understanding of the growing complexities collectors, artists, and institutions face when navigating the art world. esso artvisory offers specialized services for collectors, artists, corporations and institutions, drawing on our extensive expertise. Our international network and presence, with offices in New York City and Italy, enables us to provide tailored guidance in acquiring, managing, and promoting art across borders. Our global network allows us to support artists in developing their careers while offering strategic counsel to institutions and collectors navigating the complexities of the art world.
“Jennifer” oil on canvas by Mauro Chessa, 2004
Jennifer Bacon holds Fine Arts degrees from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago and Temple University. She founded Esso Gallery in 1996, where she has showcased a wide array of contemporary international artists. Her efforts include introducing European artists to the American market and presenting American artists abroad. Additionally, she has advised on numerous private and public collections and has developed a collection of artist-designed jewelry, reflecting her passion for design and applied arts.
Filippo Fossati is an Italian writer, publisher, and art entrepreneur with a rich family background in the arts. He co-founded the publishing company "Il Quadrante" and its magazine, "Mostre e Musei," and later "Contemporanea" ("Art on Paper"). In 1988, he opened his first gallery in Turin, followed by the establishment of "Impresa per l'Arte Contemporanea" in 1994 and "Ground Art and Culture" in 1997 with artist Maurizio Pellegrin. He has taught courses at the National Academy in New York and has been co-owner of the Esso Gallery and Books since 1996. He has organized over 300 exhibitions globally, manages archives and collections, and consults for numerous international collections.