About
Encounter was founded by Alexander Caspari in 2014. The gallery curates academically rigorous and immersive exhibitions, working with a core group of leading emerging and established international contemporary artists. In 2022, Encounter launched a new gallery space in Lisbon. The gallery, comprised of seven exhibition rooms, two viewing rooms and a sculpture garden, is located in a large 19th Century apartment on Rua de São Bernardo next to Jardim da Estrela and The British Embassy. Since its inception, Encounter has focused on building dynamic relationships with both new and established collectors, institutions and foundations, who are dedicated to supporting diverse contemporary art practices. Artists’ the gallery represents have been exhibited at and collected by important institutions internationally including; Tate Modern, The British Museum, V&A, The Royal Academy, The Getty Villa, La MEP, Palais de Tokyo and Kettle’s Yard.
The gallery is committed to exploring the role of artist and curator outside the gallery walls. This has resulted in numerous installations and commissions in the public realm, both in the UK and globally. In 2017, extending the gallery’s London program, Encounter was appointed to curate the contemporary sculpture program of Smithson Plaza, St James's, building on an important legacy of Post-War and Contemporary sculpture at this iconic architectural site.
We are an open and friendly team who value long term relationships and welcome new collaborations.
General Enquiries - athorold@encountercontemporary.com
Exhibitions, Sales and Press - acaspari@encountercontemporary.com
Planning Your Visit
Encounter | Lisbon
Rua de Sao Bernardo 15, RC, 1200 823, Estrela, Lisboa
Wednesday - Saturday 12- 7pm and by appointment
+351 213 950 708
Encounter | London
6 Diamond Terrace, London, SE10 8QN
Viewing by Appointment
Team
Alexander Caspari- Founder & Director
acaspari@encountercontemporary.com
Alexander Caspari has directed Encounter for the past eight years. He has curated numerous contemporary art exhibitions with leading international established and emerging artists in private and institutional venues. Specializing in Post-War and Contemporary Art, he holds an MA in History of Art from University College London and a BA in History of Art from the University of York. Alexander actively participates in debates surrounding the art world. He has contributed to talks at Christies Lates and his comments on the art market have been quoted in publications such as the Financial Times and Collecteurs Magazine and Christie’s podcast ‘Think Like an Art World Expert’. Prior to founding Encounter he gained experience at October Gallery, Seymours Art Advisors, Phillips, Golden Squared Consulting, The Sculpture House and Dulwich Picture Gallery.
Alexandra Thorold - Associate DIRECTOR
athorold@encountercontemporary.com
Alexandra Thorold joined Encounter in 2019 after working as a researcher at Lévy Gorvy and, prior to that, The Nine British Art. Alexandra has cultivated a career in the arts that spans research, artist liaison and client liaison roles. Alexandra is passionate about contemporary art and the process through which exhibitions come into fruition, having previously worked as an independent curator on her own shows and in association with the UCL culture department. Specialising in Post-War and Contemporary art, Alexandra also holds an MA from University College London (with Distinction) and a BA in History of Art from the University of York. Prior to her long standing role at The Nine British Art, Alexandra gained experience working at The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, Sotheby’s London and the arts and culture department at The Sunday Times.
Jordan Harris - Advisor
Jordan Harris provides Encounter with valuable strategic and financial advice. He holds a MSc in Management (Specialism: Finance) from Imperial College, and a First Class BA in History of Art (Specialism: Post-War and Contemporary Art) from the University of York. Jordan is the founder of Collectability, a data driven art advisory and an investment professional. Prior to founding Encounter he gained experience at Sotheby’s, Christie’s and Robilant + Voena.