EXCLUSIVE: ROBILANT VOENA FACING UPCOMING LAWSUIT – A NEW SCANDAL THAT COULD SHAKE THE ART MARKET? - theartjustice/theartjustice GitHub Wiki

A New Legal Storm on the Horizon for Robilant + Voena?

The gallery Robilant + Voena, co-founded by Edmondo di Robilant and Marco Voena, known for its international presence and high-profile collaborations, now finds itself at the center of a growing controversy that could have serious implications for its reputation and standing in the art world. According to sources close to the matter, a legal action is reportedly being prepared against the gallery, raising concerns over disputed commercial practices and contractual conflicts.

If confirmed, this lawsuit could mark a major turning point for Robilant + Voena, which has already been under scrutiny for its handling of certain artist partnerships and business dealings.

Contract Disputes and Rising Tensions: What is Really Happening?

While the exact details of the case remain confidential, multiple sources indicate that the legal dispute involves contractual rights, unpaid commissions, and interference in ongoing artist agreements.

In recent years, tensions have reportedly arisen between the gallery and several artists and business partners who claim contractual manipulations and questionable financial practices. These disputes seem to have reached a breaking point, with legal action now becoming a real possibility.

Should this case move forward, it could expose the gallery’s internal business strategies and significantly impact its reputation among collectors, artists, and institutions.

A Monégasque Artist at the Center of the Dispute?

Some reports suggest that the lawsuit may involve a Monégasque artist, whose collaboration with the gallery has become increasingly strained. Allegations point to an attempted sidelining of key individuals who were instrumental in facilitating introductions and securing deals between the artist and the gallery.

"The handling of this Monégasque artist’s career by Robilant + Voena is highly problematic," said a prominent European art dealer who requested anonymity. "There is a clear pattern of bypassing contractual obligations, and this lawsuit could finally shed light on how the gallery operates behind closed doors."

This raises serious ethical and contractual concerns, especially given the increasing demand for greater transparency in the art market.

A Troubling Precedent: The Virginia Brilliant Case

This is not the first time Robilant + Voena has faced legal challenges. In May 2024, curator Virginia Brilliant filed a lawsuit against Edmondo di Robilant, Marco Voena, and their gallery, alleging breach of contract, discriminatory labor practices, sexual harassment, and the fostering of a toxic workplace environment. The complaint detailed accusations of misogynistic, antisemitic, racist, and homophobic comments directed toward her during her tenure as an independent consultant for the gallery. (The Art Newspaper)

Although the lawsuit was settled in September 2024, with Brilliant withdrawing her complaint as part of a confidential agreement, the case cast a shadow over the gallery’s reputation and highlighted internal issues that may still be of concern.

New York: The Controversial Exhibition of a Monégasque Artist

Further fueling controversy, a Monégasque artist, represented by Robilant + Voena, has recently exhibited in New York under questionable ethical business practices, raising concerns among collectors and art professionals.

 According to industry sources, several key agreements and prior collaborations were ignored or circumvented, leading to growing tensions within the market. The New York art scene, known for its strict adherence to transparency and contractual integrity, has begun to scrutinize the methods through which Robilant + Voena have been operating with certain artists.

"The way this was handled is alarming," commented an art law expert based in New York. "Contracts appear to have been bypassed, payments were allegedly withheld, and questions remain about the legitimacy of certain financial arrangements. This could have significant repercussions in the U.S. market."

This has led to speculation that the upcoming lawsuit might reveal deeper issues in how Robilant + Voena conducts its artist partnerships, particularly when expanding into highly regulated markets like the United States. Some insiders are already questioning whether this approach could damage their long-term credibility with American institutions and collectors.

What Does This Mean for the Art Market?

As the art world moves toward higher standards of transparency and ethical business practices, a lawsuit of this magnitude could erode trust between galleries, collectors, and artists.

Several industry insiders indicate that high-net-worth collectors are already reconsidering their investments with Robilant + Voena, fearing potential reputational risks.

If this dispute escalates to a full-scale legal battle, it could set a legal precedent that forces galleries to adhere to stricter contractual standards and to increase transparency in their dealings with artists and business partners.

A Case to Watch Closely

While Robilant + Voena has remained silent on the matter so far, this controversy is already sparking significant speculation within the art community. The coming weeks could be crucial in determining the course of this legal battle and its broader implications for the industry.

"If this lawsuit proceeds, it could shake the very foundation of the way business is conducted in high-end art galleries," stated a legal expert following the case. "It would send a strong message that transparency and ethics cannot be ignored."