CASTELLI
A feature documentary · In developmentLeo Castelli · 1907–1999

The refugee who taught America what its art was worth.

The extraordinary life of Leo Castelli, whose conviction in artists transformed the course of contemporary art.

Archival photograph of Leo Castelli in his gallery
Leo Castelli · Gallery portraitArchival photograph
2027 · A landmark yearTwo defining anniversaries

1201907–2027

120 years since the birth of Leo Castelli. Born in Trieste in 1907, he would become one of the most consequential dealers of the twentieth century.

701957–2027

70 years since the opening of his New York gallery. In 1957, Castelli opened at 4 East 77th Street, helping redefine the international art world.

Photographic archive · 01New York

Leo Castelli & his Dalmatian.

Archival photograph of Leo Castelli seated beside his Dalmatian on a New York sidewalk
Original documentary one-sheet photograph · Enhanced from sourcePhotographer/date not independently established
01 / The filmA documentary portrait

Artists change everything.

Leo Castelli never made a painting. But it is difficult to imagine the course of American art without him.

Born Leo Krausz in Trieste, Castelli escaped European fascism and reached New York in 1941. He opened his gallery in 1957 and championed a generation of artists through extraordinary commitment, international advocacy, and monthly stipends.

The film explores the man, the relationships, and the transformation of art into a global cultural and economic force.

1907

Born in Trieste.

1939

First gallery in Paris.

1941

Arrives in New York after fleeing Europe.

1957

Opens at 4 East 77th Street.

02 / The artistsAn extraordinary generation
Jasper JohnsRobert RauschenbergFrank StellaRoy LichtensteinAndy WarholCy TwomblyDonald JuddBruce NaumanJoseph Kosuth
03 / The filmmakersFeature documentary · In development
Jayme Sean RosenthalOriginating Executive Producer
Rebecca Lee RussellCo-producer
Nemo LibrizziProducer
Pete ChelkowskiProducer
John PirozziCinematographer
04 / InquiriesInstitutional · Financing · Archival

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