Betti Franceschi captures the essence of ballet in new photo book
- Betti Franceschi has lived in her Upper West Side apartment since 1990, creating a vast collection of art.
- Her recent project, which took nine years to complete, resulted in a book featuring dancers from the New York City Ballet.
- Franceschi’s artistic philosophy centers around animism, viewing all objects as having a soul, enriching her artistic environment.
In December 2024, Betti Franceschi, a 90-year-old artist, showcased her latest project in her Upper West Side apartment in New York City. Over her decades-long residence there, she has transformed her home into a vibrant gallery filled with her curated collection of artwork, reflecting her passion for animism—the belief that all objects possess a soul. Franceschi's art-filled space, accumulated since 1990, includes various pieces such as portraits, sculptures, and historical artifacts. This year, she completed a monumental nine-year project that culminated in a book of photographs featuring pre-eminent dancers from the New York City Ballet, capturing the life and artistic spirit of ballet performance. Franceschi's dedication to her craft and her belief in the intrinsic value of every object in her surrounding environment provide an insight into her artistic philosophy and her prolific career, which continues to inspire many. As she reflects on her life and work, Franceschi emphasizes that her apartment is not just a living space but a manifestation of her artistic journey and a testament to the vibrant world of dance.