Following the global success of Anthropocene, a multimedia exhibition documenting humanity’s irreversible impact on the Earth, photographer Edward Burtynsky continues his exploration of the environmental effects of industrialization with a new exhibition, presented for the first time in Italy at M9 – Museum of the 20th Century. After a successful debut at the Saatchi Gallery in London, the Edward Burtynsky exhibition arrives in Italy, offering the most comprehensive retrospective of Burtynsky’s more than 40-year career.

Renowned for his large-scale images of industrial landscapes, Burtynsky has dedicated his life to capturing the profound impact of human activity on the planet. His work focuses on what he describes as “large-scale industrial incursions across the planet,” documenting the often unseen consequences of industrial processes that serve our current needs but jeopardize the future of our environment.

Curated by Marc Mayer, former director of the National Gallery of Canada, with exhibition design by Alvisi Kirimoto, the Edward Burtynsky exhibition features over 80 large-format photographs, 10 high-definition murals, and an Augmented Reality experience. A new section, Process Archive, offers a behind-the-scenes look at the tools and technologies Burtynsky has used throughout his career, including drones that have expanded his ability to capture vast landscapes from unique perspectives.

Visitors will also encounter Burtynsky’s powerful photographic campaign from 2022, commissioned by the Sylva Foundation, which documents the environmental catastrophe caused by Xylella on Apulian olive trees. This collection starkly illustrates the tangible impacts of climate change in Italy. Additionally, the exhibition screens the award-winning short film In the Wake of Progress (2022), co-produced by Burtynsky and music producer Bob Ezrin, featuring original music by the late Phil Strong. Shown in immersive mode, it debuts in Italy in the M9 Orizzonti room.

Burtynsky’s large-scale images often appear as abstract fields of color, drawing the viewer in before revealing the devastating reality behind them—industrial landscapes that testify to the environmental toll of human progress. This Edward Burtynsky exhibition is a visual reminder of the consequences of industrialization and climate change, prompting critical reflection on our role in shaping the planet’s future.

Burtynsky’s work is housed in over 80 major museums worldwide. His notable exhibitions include Anthropocene (2018), Water (2013), Oil (2009), China (2005), and Manufactured Landscapes (2003). Among his many accolades, Burtynsky received the 2023 PHotoESPAÑA Award and the Pino Pascali Award. He is also recognized for his role in producing the acclaimed documentary trilogy Manufactured Landscapes, Watermark, and ANTHROPOCENE: The Human Epoch, all of which continue to be featured in festivals globally.

Images courtesy of BataGoran, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The exhibition 1912-1930 Murano Glass and the Venice Biennale, curated by Marino Barovier, offers a rare opportunity to explore the evolution of Murano glass at the Venice Biennale. Running until 24 November 2024 at LE STANZE DEL VETRO, this showcase focuses on the pivotal period from 1912 to 1930, highlighting how Murano glass gradually gained prominence at the prestigious event. This Murano glass exhibition presents 135 exquisite works, many of which are exceptionally rare, sourced from renowned museums and private collections.

Between 1912 and 1930, Murano glass became increasingly visible in the Biennale’s exhibitions, with artists recognizing the extraordinary possibilities offered by this medium. The artworks on display demonstrate the creative and technical mastery achieved by Murano glassmakers during this time, showing how the craft evolved into a fine art that could stand alongside traditional painting and sculpture. This period saw the introduction of the Applied Arts section, which included glassworks, housed alongside the Fine Arts exhibits in the Palazzo dell’Esposizione.

One of the highlights of this Murano glass exhibition is the way it illustrates the journey of Murano glass from a craft tradition to a key part of the Venice Biennale’s narrative. The decision to showcase Murano glass in the Biennale was a significant step in recognizing glass as an art form in its own right. By 1930, the Biennale acknowledged the importance of applied arts, leading to the eventual creation of a dedicated pavilion in 1932. This transition is a crucial moment in the history of both the Venice Biennale and the development of glass as a medium for artistic expression.

The exhibition is not only a visual celebration but also a scholarly one, as it is accompanied by a comprehensive catalogue curated by Marino Barovier and Carla Sonego. The catalogue is the product of meticulous research, combining an in-depth investigation into archival documents from the Biennale Historical Archive and a thorough bibliographic study. Visitors to the Murano glass exhibition will gain a deeper understanding of the artistic and historical significance of Murano glass. Its relationship with the Venice Biennale during these formative years.

This exhibition at LE STANZE DEL VETRO provides a unique insight into the delicate balance between tradition and innovation that defined Murano glass production in the early 20th century. As the exhibition runs until 24 November 2024, visitors have ample time to explore this fascinating chapter of art history. It is the rare chance to see some of the finest examples of Murano glass from the period. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a glass aficionado, or simply curious about the rich cultural heritage of Venice, this Murano glass exhibition offers a captivating look at how one of the world’s most beautiful materials found its place in one of the most important art events globally.

Images courtesy of https://lestanzedelvetro.org/ – Ph. Enrico Fiorese

The Julie Mehretu exhibition titled “Ensemble” will be presented at Palazzo Grassi from 17 March 2024 to 6 January 2025. Curated by Caroline Bourgeois, Chief Curator of the Pinault Collection, together with Julie Mehretu herself, this is the most comprehensive exhibition of Mehretu’s work to date in Europe. Spanning 25 years of her artistic journey, the exhibition features over fifty works, including both paintings and prints, with a particular focus on recent pieces from 2021-2024.

Spread across two floors of Palazzo Grassi, the Julie Mehretu exhibition brings together 17 works from the Pinault Collection alongside key loans from international museums and private collections. This rich selection allows visitors to experience the full scope of Mehretu’s dynamic and evolving artistic practice. Her works are known for their intricate layering of lines, forms, and marks, which create complex compositions that reflect global issues, urban landscapes, and the chaotic nature of contemporary life.

The exhibition is structured as a non-chronological exploration of Mehretu’s oeuvre, encouraging visitors to engage freely with her work. Central to the concept of the Julie Mehretu exhibition is the theme of collaboration and dialogue. Alongside Mehretu’s works, the exhibition features pieces by several of her closest artist friends, including Nairy Baghramian, Huma Bhabha, Tacita Dean, David Hammons, Robin Coste Lewis, Paul Pfeiffer, and Jessica Rankin. These artists, who share with Mehretu an experience of displacement—whether leaving or fleeing countries like Ethiopia, Iran, and Pakistan—engage in a rich visual and conceptual dialogue with her art.

Through this exhibition, Mehretu explores the idea that art is not created in isolation. Instead, it is deeply influenced by connections, relationships and shared experiences. This collaborative spirit is at the heart of Ensemble, revealing how Mehretu’s artistic practice has been shaped by her peers and how her works resonate with broader social, political, and cultural themes.

The Julie Mehretu exhibition will also include a series of public conferences and cultural events at the Teatrino di Palazzo Grassi, providing additional insights into the exhibition’s themes and the artists involved. A comprehensive catalogue, published by Marsilio Arte, Venice, will accompany the exhibition, featuring contributions by Hilton Als, Caroline Bourgeois, Patricia Falguières, Julie Mehretu, Jason Moran, and two in-depth conversations between Mehretu, Paul Pfeiffer, Lawrence Chua, and Caroline Bourgeois.

In collaboration with K21–Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen in Düsseldorf, which will present the exhibition in 2025, the Julie Mehretu exhibition at Palazzo Grassi offers a unique opportunity to explore the work of one of the most significant contemporary artists today, showcasing her continued innovation and engagement with the world around her.

Images courtesy of https://www.flickr.com/photos/ugardener/52018331061 – Ph. JR P

The Henri Matisse exhibition at the Centro Culturale Candiani presents a new and captivating project, drawing from the civic collections of modern art at Ca’ Pesaro. This exhibition focuses on the work of Henri Matisse, one of the most significant masters of the 20th century, and his connection to the vibrant artistic movements of his time. Featuring three important lithographs from the 1920s and two drawings from 1947, all from the Galleria Internazionale d’Arte Moderna, the exhibition brings Matisse’s work into dialogue with that of his contemporaries, including Henri Manguin, André Derain, Albert Marquet, Maurice de Vlaminck, Raoul Dufy, and Pierre Bonnard.

Matisse, known for his expressive use of color and line, played a key role in the Fauve movement, which sought to break free from traditional artistic constraints. Central to the Henri Matisse exhibition is the idea of light and color, particularly the Mediterranean light that inspired many of the artists on display. The Fauves, including Matisse, were driven by a desire to capture the golden light of the Mediterranean, a light that “suppresses shadows,” as Derain once wrote to Vlaminck. This light, along with the vibrant use of color, formed the foundation of their expressionist approach.

The exhibition weaves Matisse’s artistic journey with those of his close contemporaries, showcasing how these artists revolutionized modern European art by focusing on the inner qualities of mimetic painting, both optical and conceptual. Matisse’s deep connection to the Mediterranean, especially to cities like Nice and Saint-Tropez, is a prominent theme throughout the exhibition. These locations were central to the evolution of his art, shaping the visual language of the 20th century and influencing the way future generations approached color and form.

Drawing plays a vital role in Matisse’s work, often bordering on obsession, as seen in his meticulous attention to the arabesque lines of his female figures and his reflections on the decorative arts. His work, as explored in the Henri Matisse exhibition, embodies the concept of “pleasure in drawing,” a notion also reflected in the writings of philosopher Jean-Luc Nancy. The exhibition not only explores Matisse’s mastery but also examines how his friendships and collaborations with artists like Derain and Vlaminck contributed to the artistic revolutions that shaped modern art.

At the heart of the exhibition is the Mediterranean itself, a geography of artistic creation that served as a muse for Matisse and his peers. The Mediterranean, with its vivid colors and dynamic landscapes, became a central figure in their work, symbolizing freedom and expression. Through this Henri Matisse exhibition, visitors can explore how the region’s light and landscapes profoundly influenced Matisse and left an enduring legacy on 20th-century art.

Images courtesy of https://www.flickr.com/photos/gandalfsgallery/7793747306 – Ph. Gandalf’s Gallery

The Eva Jospin exhibition titled “Selva” invites visitors to explore the unique relationship between nature and art through her intricate and immersive creations. Born in Paris in 1975, Eva Jospin completed her studies in 2002 and later became a resident at the Académie de France in Villa Medici, Rome from 2016 to 2017. Her artistic journey is deeply rooted in her fascination with nature, capturing its raw essence as well as the diverse iconographic and iconological interpretations it has inspired throughout history.

Using humble materials such as cardboard, plant-based elements, fibers, metal, and fabric, Jospin creates large-scale plastic compositions that evoke a world of landscapes, trees, plants, geological formations, and architectural structures. These works often possess a fairy-tale quality, imbuing her creations with a mysterious, almost magical tone. Through these intricate compositions, she encourages reflection on themes like the creative intellectual processes of past and present, environmental and ecological concerns, and the perception of space. Her works alter both the intellectual and physical space of the venues in which they are displayed, creating a transformative experience for viewers.

The Eva Jospin exhibition at Venice’s Palazzo Pesaro exemplifies her ability to engage with both the historical and environmental contexts of her surroundings. The ancient palazzo, which houses the diverse collections of Mariano Fortuny, serves as the perfect backdrop for Jospin’s work. Her sculptures interact with the existing collections in a dialogue that reveals surprising and unexpected aesthetic and methodological affinities between her creations and Fortuny’s artistic vision. This connection forms the conceptual foundation of the exhibition and drives the choice of the venue, highlighting the relationship between Jospin’s poetic vision and the historical art housed within the space.

Through Selva, Jospin invites visitors to delve into a world that straddles the line between reality and imagination, where nature and art converge in an immersive experience that challenges both intellect and emotion. The Eva Jospin exhibition not only showcases her technical skill but also her profound engagement with the themes of nature, creation, and environmental awareness, making it a must-see event for art lovers visiting Venice.

Images courtesy of https://www.flickr.com/photos/dalbera/53838929666/ – Ph. Jean-Pierre Dalbéra.

From 28 March to 24 November 2024, the Helmut Newton exhibition titled “Legacy” will take center stage in Venice, curated by Matthias Harder, Director of the Helmut Newton Foundation in Berlin, and Denis Curti. This retrospective marks the hundredth anniversary of the iconic photographer’s birth (Berlin, 1920 – Los Angeles, 2004) and stands as the most comprehensive exhibition dedicated to Helmut Newton’s work to date.

With over 250 photographs, polaroids, and archival documents, the Helmut Newton exhibition retraces the legacy of one of the most influential and controversial photographers of the 20th century. Known for his provocative style, Newton’s work pushes the boundaries of fashion photography, often blending boldness with elegance. The exhibition on San Giorgio Maggiore Island, with its stunning views over the San Marco basin, further enhances the power of Newton’s imagery, displaying iconic works alongside a selection of previously unseen pieces that offer new perspectives on his practice.

Born as Helmut Neustädter in Berlin, Newton fled Nazi Germany in 1938 and started his photography career in Australia, where he eventually opened his own studio. In Melbourne, he met June Brown, also known as Alice Springs, who would become his lifelong partner and muse. His career blossomed in Europe and the United States, particularly through his collaborations with renowned magazines like Vogue and designers such as Yves Saint Laurent, Karl Lagerfeld, and Thierry Mugler. Newton’s daring approach to fashion and the female form, as seen in his celebrated Big Nudes series, challenged conventions and left an indelible mark on the world of photography.

The Helmut Newton exhibition is structured into six chronological chapters, allowing visitors to trace the evolution of Newton’s career from his early days in Australia in the 1940s and 1950s, through his work in France in the 1960s, and on to his groundbreaking fashion photography in the 1970s in the United States. The exhibition continues with his prolific period in Monte Carlo and Los Angeles during the 1980s and highlights his work throughout the 1990s, documenting his global travels and extensive body of work.

Curator Matthias Harder emphasizes Newton’s deep connection to Venice, as evidenced by his various projects in the city, such as his 1966 report for Queen magazine and his portrait of Anselm Kiefer. After living in Australia and the United States, Newton returned to Europe, residing in Paris and Monte Carlo while making frequent visits to Venice. This exhibition in Venice is a fitting tribute to his lifelong fascination with the city and his remarkable contributions to photography.

Images courtesy of https://www.flickr.com/photos/drewwilsonphotography/7160325045– Ph. Drew Wilson.

The Francesco Vezzoli exhibition marks a significant chapter in the artist’s ongoing exploration of the relationship between contemporary culture and classical antiquity. Running at the Museo Correr in Venice, this exhibition is a natural continuation of Vezzoli’s artistic journey, which has evolved over the past decade to create a bridge between past and present, blending solemn historical references with pop culture.

Francesco Vezzoli is known for his ability to merge different media, including video, artistic performance, and his signature portraits adorned with embroidered tears. His work juxtaposes the grandeur of classical art with contemporary icons, creating a dialogue that spans centuries. This new Francesco Vezzoli exhibition builds on this theme, presenting works from his extensive artistic repertoire alongside masterpieces from the Museo Correr’s collection, offering a fresh narrative that views the history of art as alive, relevant, and constantly evolving.

Vezzoli’s ability to recontextualize the past was first showcased internationally in his 2011 Sacrilegio exhibition at the Gagosian Gallery in New York. There, he transformed the gallery into a Renaissance chapel, inserting contemporary supermodels like Claudia Schiffer and Linda Evangelista into reinterpretations of 16th-century Italian Madonnas. This bold combination of sacred and profane elements has become a hallmark of Vezzoli’s work, and his latest project in Venice continues this tradition of blending different eras and artistic expressions.

In Musei delle Lacrime, Vezzoli presents a series of historical and recent works, including some created specifically for this exhibition. By placing them alongside religious and cultural masterpieces from the Museo Correr, Vezzoli encourages a new reflection on themes such as identity, emotion, and the role of the past in the present. His work does not seek to erase or deny history, but rather to engage with it in a way that highlights its ongoing relevance.

The Francesco Vezzoli exhibition is not only a celebration of art history, but also a tribute to the city of Venice, a city that embodies the intersection of tradition and modernity. The project is designed with Venice in mind, paying homage to the city’s rich cultural legacy and the work of architect Carlo Scarpa, who played a significant role in shaping the artistic identity of Venice’s museums. By merging past and present, Vezzoli’s work emphasizes the transcendental power of art and its ability to resonate across different historical moments.

Vezzoli’s previous projects, such as his exhibitions at the Collection Lambert in Avignon (2019) and Palcoscenici archeologici with the Fondazione Brescia Musei, have explored similar themes of archaeology and memory. His work often incorporates ancient art into contemporary settings, as seen in his 2021 sculptures for the project Francesco Vezzoli in Florence, where he placed modern and ancient elements in public spaces, creating powerful visual statements about the coexistence of past and present.

This latest Francesco Vezzoli exhibition at the Museo Correr furthers his exploration of these ideas, inviting visitors to experience the dialogue between his art and the historical treasures of Venice. Through a unique blend of classical and contemporary, Vezzoli’s work continues to challenge and inspire, offering a fresh perspective on the timeless power of art.

Images courtesy of https://www.flickr.com/photos/medievalkarl/16276861420/– Ph. Karl Steel.

The exhibition “Banksy. Painting Walls” offers its visitors the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the artistic universe of a creative who has dominated the world cultural scene for over twenty years. In particular, through his ability to intervene with artistic messages even in war contexts, Banksy demonstrates once again his extraordinary ability to connect with the present, maintaining an artistic commitment that stands out for addressing crucial issues such as climate change, social inequalities, migration flows, conflicts and human rights.

The focus of this exhibition are three original walls painted by the British artist. These are three extraordinary works from private collections, created by Banksy in 2009, 2010 and 2018 respectively, and located in London, Devon and Wales. The three works stage three young teenagers, embodying the sensitivity of a new generation that seems to resonate in tune with the themes dear to the English artist.

In particular, “Season’s Greetings”, which appeared in Port Talbot, Wales, in December 2018, was chosen as the emblematic image of the exhibition. This work depicts a young man with his arms wide open and his tongue stretched out to taste the snowflakes falling from the sky, but it turns out that these “flakes” are actually ash that is lifted from a burning garbage can. Port Talbot, defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the most polluted city in the United Kingdom, thus becomes the dramatic backdrop of this representation.

In addition to these three main walls, the exhibition will include other significant works such as “Heart Boy” and “Robot/Computer Boy”, as well as a selection of unique pieces that will further enrich the exhibition experience, for a total of about one hundred original works.

On the occasion of the seventh centenary of the death of Marco Polo in 1324, the City of Venice has launched a rich calendar of events in collaboration with the Fondazione Musei Civici di Venezia, Ca’ Foscari University of Venice and many other local, national and international associations. These initiatives aim to celebrate the memory of this illustrious Venetian, recognized for having written the first complete and reliable account of the East, thus contributing to the mutual knowledge between Asia and Europe. Support for the celebrations was sanctioned on 29 December with a decree of the Ministry of Culture, signed by Gennaro Sangiuliano at the request of the City and the Venetian University. The National Committee for the celebrations, chaired by the Mayor of Venice Luigi Brugnaro and coordinated by the Dean Tiziana Lippiello, was established to oversee these activities.

The celebrations, together with the Committee, will last for three years, with further initiatives planned in 2025 and 2026. Marco Polo is famous for exploring the lands of the far East, and his epic history as a traveller has created a deep bond with distant cultures and peoples, both by sea and by land. ” The rediscovery of the figure of Marco Polo raises questions of great relevance”, explains the mayor of Venice and president of the Promoting Committee, Luigi Brugnaro. “How can we dialogue with other cultures while preserving our identity? How can we manage relations between peoples and cities? How can we pass on art and work capacity?” The regions and seas explored by Marco Polo during his twenty years of travel are often today at the center of diplomatic tensions. Thanks to the memory of Marco Polo, Venice intends to launch a message of hope, peace and brotherhood, remaining open to new proposals to pursue this goal.

There are also many initiatives in the Ca’ Foscari calendar, which turn into a moment of deep reflection on the life and contribution of Marco Polo, through a compelling scientific and cultural program. Activities at the local level, which include public readings in symbolic places of the city, cultural routes and cycle conferences open to citizens, aim to facilitate the understanding of the complex figure of this man of the Middle Ages and the implications of his journey on the development of Western thought. Theatrical and multimedia projects will also be activated and realized, with workshops focused on the reception of the myth of Marco Polo in the media of the twentieth century: operas, comics, film and television adaptations, as well as creative workshops dedicated to students of primary and secondary schools in Venice, in collaboration with the Regional School Office of Veneto. For the international public, initiatives are planned in collaboration with Rai for the transmission of historical plays on Marco Polo, in order to spread the knowledge of this fascinating figure globally.

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Enjoy an unforgettable artistic activity that will allow you to experience the magic of the Venice Carnival! A master artisan will show you the traditional art of making masks and will also tell you interesting stories!

Your instructor, an experienced decorator, will teach you how to paint and decorate your own mask and will accompany you on every step of the decorating process. You’ll have the opportunity to choose a mask, decorate it however you wish, and then take it home as an exclusive souvenir and memory of this Venetian experience.

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History of a Murano glass family

The exhibition celebrates one hundred years of activity of the NasonMoretti glassworks, one of Murano’s most original and flourishing businesses.
The exhibition opens the archives and shares with the public of the Glass Museum an important history made up of over ten thousand models.
From the very beginning, Nason & Moretti chose the art of the table, reinterpreting it according to contemporary formulas with a profoundly modern flair.

The glassware has become a design landmark since the 1950s, when the Lidia cups won the Compasso d’oro and its presence at the Venice Biennale began. The exhibition will give an account of the most successful objects created by the furnace and collaborations with some of the most important names in design and architecture, without neglecting a section devoted to current events.

Don’t miss a guided tour of the Murano islands to discover the art of glassmaking and participate in a workshop!

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If there is one activity Venetians really love to do after a day’s work, it is to take a trip to the bacari. As you might already know, Spritz is the most popular aperitif in Venice, a cocktail made with prosecco, water and Aperol.

To experience the excitement of a ‘tour of the bacari‘ without having to spend a fortune, simply head to one of these cosy venues. “Bacaro” is the Venetian word referring to those small bars typical of Venice, where you can enjoy the characteristic ‘cicchetti’ (appetisers) and enjoy a good glass of wine at affordable prices.

To experience a day in Venice like a true Venetian, don’t miss the Bacari Tour:

  Bacaro food tour 

During your walking tour you’ll get to taste:

• Spritz: the cornerstone of Venetian aperitivo. Its name originates from ‘spritzen’, an Austrian word referring to the war period practice of watering down wine with sparkling beverages. In the 1920s, the cocktail we know today was invented and the sweet-tasting Aperol was added to sparkling water and wine
• Crostini: toasted artisan bread topped or stuffed with fanciful products of the area, such as ‘sarde in saor’ (sardines with caramelized onions, vinegar pine nuts and risings), cured meats, cheeses, truffle sauces, veggie balls and mixed fried snacks
• Warm dishes: Venetian specialties such as risotto, ‘mozzarella in carrozza’ (a deep-fried mozzarella sandwich), codfish with cornmeal and ‘melanzane alla parmigiana’ (aubergines with tomato sauce, mozzarella and basil)
• Espresso coffee and chocolate: conclude your tour experiencing one of the best espressos in town, along with delicious artisan chocolates prepared in the most famous confectionery of Venice