EXHIBITION REVIEW
CONTEMPORARY VENICE – 13TH EDITION
December 15, 2023 – January 05, 2024
Palazzo Albrizzi-Capello, Venice
ITSLIQUID Group, in collaboration with ACIT Venice – Italian-German Cultural Association, is pleased to announce the remarkable success of the 13th edition of CONTEMPORARY VENICE 2023 which took place in Venice at Palazzo Albrizzi-Capello from December 15, 2023 to January 05, 2024.
Click here to read more about the press release
Click here to see the photo full reportage
CONTEMPORARY VENICE analyzes the relationship between body and space, and the hybridization between identities and cultural/physical/social/urban settings in contemporary times, through two main sections: MIXING IDENTITIES and FUTURE LANDSCAPES.
MIXING IDENTITIES analyzes the hidden parts of our identities, through an immersive experience inside the fascinating universe of the complex labyrinths of our consciousness. The human body is a changing system that connects us with other bodies and spaces to perceive the surrounding reality; a strong communication system with its language and infinite ways of expression.
FUTURE LANDSCAPES are abstract, infinite and conceptual, associated with a sense of freedom and infinite extension. Primarily experienced with the mind, spaces redefine their limits and borders, transforming surfaces into an open flow of pure ideas. This section focuses on the concept of the borders and the structures between body, mind and soul, the human identity and the city, the space and the ground.
The event’s themes were thoughtfully examined by exceptionally talented artists who made significant contributions to this exploration. Among them, Leda Tsoukia‘s art, starting from a profound knowledge of the human experience, questioned herself and transcended societal stereotypes and barriers. In the evocative series featuring “Manon” – the first character in Tsoukia’s artistic narrative – the paintings serve as a visual manifestation of a deeper inquiry into overcoming obstacles and using them as catalysts for personal growth. Tsoukia seamlessly blended archetypes from both the modern and mythical realms, weaving an invisible thread between past and present, myth and reality: her artworks illuminate diverse facets of eternal identities, transcending the confines of time, space, and gender, portraying the artist as both muse and maker in the intricate dance between inspiration and creation.
The stunning Palazzo Albrizzi Capello served as a perfect stage to enhance the impact of the remarkable performances presented during the exhibition. Tomas Lagūnavičius, a compelling performer, delved into the profound and often overlooked aspects of the human experience, particularly in the face of life-altering events such as pandemics, war, and inflation. The artist explored the poignant question of how a fallen soldier expresses himself through dance: his performance represented a visceral narrative, seeking to convey the emotional terrain of someone who has endured the loss of dreams and life plans, inviting a reflection on the shared humanity that transcends life and death. On the other hand, the captivating display of Kamila Olesińska, unfolded a unique and multidimensional project that intertwined dance, poetry, music, and visual arts. Her performance, a celebration of femininity, transcended the symbolic to empower essence: each movement told a story, exploring the body language and delving into the profound impact of our understanding of the world.
Luciano Volpato‘s artistic journey is a testament to the recent discovery of a profound passion for the world of art. His artistic expression, characterized by spontaneity and uniqueness, crafted a distinctive narrative during the exhibition, reflecting his individuality. Often delving into circular and oval abstract compositions, his pieces invited viewers to begin a visual discovery aimed at capturing the essence of identity revelation and the uncharted depths of personal expression. The Albanian artist Aferdita Murtaj showcased her dynamic force in the art world through mastery of color, form, and dimensions in the sphere of abstract expressionism. Specializing in acrylic and oil on canvas, Murtaj’s paintings revealed an emotional connection underscored by inner confidence and skill. Her work, rooted in nature, intricately transcended the obvious, prioritizing form and harmony to create a captivating visual language that resonates with both depth and beauty.
Bariaa Sanioura communicated her innermost beliefs and emotions offering a profound expression that transcended spoken language: focused on the human form, Sanioura’s figurative paintings captured poignant moments in life, portraying a rich tapestry of diverse situations and human emotions. The deliberate obscuration of faces in her works invited viewers to find fragments of themselves within the unfinished narratives, fostering a connection between the art and the observer and reflecting the universal aspects of the human experience, allowing each viewer to weave their own stories into the evocative panorama she presents. The exhibition was enhanced significantly through the inclusion of a curated selection of video artworks, fostering a deeper engagement and offering a sophisticated perspective on the complex relationships between individual identity and the evolving landscapes of consciousness.
organized by ITSLIQUID Group
in collaboration with ACIT Venice – Italian-German Cultural Association | GOETHE INSTITUT
curator Luca Curci
project manager Giulia Tassi
project coordinators Chiara Baratti, Amaride Ferrante, Seher Muhtar
collaborators Asia Carrer, Caterina Gallizia, Melis Di Gennaro, Annachiara Recchia, Marta Zugarelli
graphic designers Teresa Cannone, Marina Caracciolo
supported by ACS ATHENS | FOTO CLUB LUCINIO | QUINTO ORDEN
VENUE
Palazzo Albrizzi-Capello
Associazione Culturale Italo-Tedesca (ACIT), Cannaregio 4118, Venice
Opening hours | Monday – Friday . 09.30 AM – 05.30 PM
Please note that on December 25 and 26, 2023, and on January 01, 2024, the exhibition space will be closed due to the Christmas Holidays.
ABOUT US
ITSLIQUID is a web-based information platform, founded in 2001 by Luca Curci, dedicated to the worldwide distribution of information about calls for entries, exhibitions and events at some of the world’s leading art galleries, museums and foundations selected. ITSLIQUID has already built a readership of more than 250,000 qualified subscribers. Among them architects, designers, artists, collectors, art critics, curators, dealers, and other personalities of the International art, architecture and design world. It provides advertising services, press office services for events and projects, articles and specials published on the website, and media partnership services.
During the last 20 years, ITSLIQUID Group has become a cultural hub between creatives, exhibition spaces and art lovers. Among our international partners, Art Now Fair, Art Vancouver, Design Tokyo, INDEX Qatar, INDEX Saudi, The Big 5 Construct Dubai, The Big 5 Construct Qatar, Photo LA Los Angeles and international magazines like Art Style. ITSLIQUID Group supports some of the most important no-profit organizations, like UNFCCC – United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, SSCS – Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, One Tree Planted, The Ocean CleanUp and Plastic Oceans, with the goal to increase public awareness about environmental issues. Click here to find out more.
ITSLIQUID GROUP includes a section dedicated to the organization of international art events, managing exhibitions of painting, photography, video art, installation and performance; it organizes solo and collective shows, art residencies and international contests. Its object is to use new technologies to globalize the language of art, and to connect artists working in every part of the world.
ITSLIQUID Group manages a variety of art spaces all over the world; among them THE ROOM Contemporary Art Space in the heart of San Marco Square in Venice and different historical buildings, THE LINE Contemporary Art Space in London city centre and other different partners worldwide. Since its beginning, the group has organized more than 250 events all around the world, involving more than 5,000 artists, in more than 60 international venues in Italy, the USA, Canada, the UK, Spain, France, etc. Most of the last events have been realized in museums (CCCB – Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona in Spain, NCCA – National Center for Contemporary Arts in Moscow, etc.), galleries and private foundations.
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OUR LOCATION
Palazzo Albrizzi-Capello is one of the most known palaces of the Renaissance in Venice. It is a historical building dating back to the 16th century, and it has been owned by several noble Venetian families, as demonstrated by the frescoed ceilings, the artistic stuccos and the fine furniture that enriches its rooms. The Palace welcomes visitors with its beautiful private garden on the ground floor, and then it gathers the guests in its large first-floor salons, in which past and present dialogue together. The restored Old Masters’ frescoes and the contemporary art masterpieces that are periodically shown in the exhibitions hosted here, make Palazzo Albrizzi-Capello the perfect location for the balance between old and new, between ancient environment and contemporary art, architecture and design.
Today the building is managed by ACIT Venice – the Italian-German Cultural Association – which is considered one of the most important intercultural associations in Europe. Thanks to the ACIT unceasing cultural activity, Palazzo Albrizzi-Capello has nowadays frequent collaborations with the Goethe Institute and with other local and international institutions, maintaining its ancient reputation. Because of these relations, it presents a huge program of memorable art exhibitions, conferences, congresses and concerts. Among the last institutional exhibitions, is its participation in the 58th Venice Biennale with the Guatemala pavilion, the Dominican Republic pavilion and the Grenada pavilion. ITSLIQUID Group already had the pleasure to hold some festivals and exhibitions in Palazzo Albrizzi-Capello, such as MORPHOS Festival and FUTURE IDENTITIES Festival, both in 2014.