MADRID, Spain – For 19 years, illycaffè has proudly served as the official partner of ARCOmadrid, the contemporary art exhibition held in the Spanish capital from March 6th to 10th, 2024. This year, the company will expose the latest illy Art Collection, signed by the Korean-born artist Lee Ufan, alongside presenting the prestigious illy SustainArt award.
Established 17 years ago, this award reflects illycaffè’s commitment to promoting art and culture by supporting both artists and institutions.
“We take great pride in our ongoing support of ARCOmadrid, one of Europe’s most significant art fairs, where we’ve been conveying the values of the illy brand through the language of art for nearly two decades. Simultaneously, we’re dedicated to spotlighting emerging artists and established masters,” said Cristina Scocchia, CEO of illycaffè.
Visitors to the illy lounge at stand B26 in Pavilion 7 of IFEMA MADRID can indulge in the exclusive illy blend while exploring the latest illy Art Collection by Lee Ufan. Renowned for his pursuit of simplicity, Ufan infuses his philosophy into the designs of the illy Art Collection, characterized by fluid lines and brushstrokes reminiscent of reductionist painting. Each stroke embodies Ufan’s concept of encounter, capturing the moment when brush meets canvas. Notably, the cups feature unpainted areas, allowing for a connection between the white porcelain and the artist’s creation.
At 4:30 PM on Thursday, March 7th, in the illy lounge, the winner of the 2024 illy SustainArt award, established by illycaffè in collaboration with ARCOmadrid to support emerging artists, will be announced. Past recipients include Ana Navas, Felipe Cohen, Hellen Ascoli, and Marcelo Cidade, reflecting the award’s goal of advancing the careers of young creatives internationally.
This year, the award will recognize one of the exhibiting artists under 40. The 2024 jury includes Patrizia Sandretto (curator and founder of the Sandretto Re Rebaudengo Foundation), Tania Pardo (deputy director of the CA2M Museum, Centro de Arte Dos de Mayo), Ianko López (journalist for Vanity Fair), and Carlo Bach (creative director of illycaffè). The prize, totaling €15,000, will fund the creation of a work unveiled at the illy lounge during ARCOmadrid 2025.
Additionally, the illy lounge will showcase “Costas Quentes”, an artwork by Cristina Mejías, the Spanish artist who won the 2023 illy SustainArt award.
