Continuing its cycle of exhibitions showing private collections, la maison rouge presents the collection of Giuliana and Tommaso Setari, an Italian couple who have made Paris their home. This ninth collection is a step off the beaten track in a journey which la maison rouge began in 2004, taking the public through a series of different attitudes towards and ways of collecting art.

Far removed from global, speculative circles of contemporary art, the Setaris have built a collection whose powerful identity reflects their culture, with a majority of Italian artists, their personalities, and the friendships they have made. It is an "intimate", one might even say "domestic" collection in that most of the works have been a part of their lives, taking up residence in the couple's various homes. The Setaris can only conceive of their existence with the presence of art in their home, and in contact with artists, some of whom have become friends.

The Setaris' support of artists came as a natural extension of their collecting. The couple have backed exhibitions, contributed to the production of works and publications, and lent or donated important works from their collection to public institutions. In this respect, on their level they belong to the very Italian tradition of collector-patrons.