“Icônes” at Punta della Dogana, Venice
2 April, 2023 - 26 November, 2023
The Punta della Dogana exhibition "Icônes," curated by the visionary minds of Emma Lavigne and Bruno Racine, is a captivating exploration of the icon and its multifaceted significance in the contemporary world. Spanning from April 2 to November 26, 2023, this exhibition weaves a mesmerizing tapestry of images that provoke introspection and reflection on the essence of the icon, its spiritual roots, and its impact on our perception of reality.
At the heart of "Icônes" lies the profound duality of the word itself, rooted in both its Greek etymology as an "image" and its association with the revered religious paintings of Eastern Christianity. The exhibition skillfully navigates this duality, introducing the notion of a model—an emblematic figure in contemporary context—adding layers of complexity to our understanding of the icon.
Venice, a city steeped in history and cultural intersections, emerges as a pivotal player in this artistic narrative. The city's rich artistic heritage, characterized by influences from Byzantine, Gothic, and Flemish traditions, provides a fertile backdrop for the exhibited works. "Icônes" celebrates Venice's role as a crossroads of diverse horizons that continue to inspire artists from various backgrounds.
By drawing from the Pinault Collection, the exhibition unearths emblematic works that serve as the stepping stones for contemplating the essence of the icon. Over eighty carefully curated pieces—ranging from masterpieces to site-specific installations—immerse visitors in a realm where the line between appearance and disappearance blurs, and the interplay of shadow and light evokes transcendence.
The art of Orthodox Russia, as exemplified by Tarkovsky's masterpiece "Andrei Roublev," further enriches the discourse surrounding the icon. Tarkovsky's vision of "the idea of the absolute freedom of the spiritual potential of man" resonates throughout the exhibition, prompting visitors to delve into the immeasurable darkness of the invisible world. This exploration of spirituality extends beyond Russian Orthodoxy, embracing diverse spiritualities from Asia, Africa, Brazil, and the United States that continue to influence contemporary art.
"Icônes" thoughtfully presents moments of contemplation amid the modern world's image saturation and trivialization. The exhibition's intentional inclusion of spaces akin to chapels invites visitors to pause and connect with the exhibited works on a deeper level. These moments of stillness and reflection become gateways to alternative worlds and states of consciousness—be it through contemplation or meditation.
Throughout the exhibition's journey between figuration and abstraction, various artistic dimensions manifest—paintings, videos, sounds, installations, and performances coalesce into a harmonious symphony. The juxtaposition of artists from different generations facilitates captivating dialogues, amplifying the impact of iconic creators like David Hammons, Agnes Martin, Danh Vo, Rudolf Stingel, Sherrie Levine, and On Kawara, among others.
"Icônes" masterfully navigates the blurred boundaries of the visible and invisible, challenging our perceptions and fostering a profound appreciation for the power of the image in contemporary art. Through this curated and artistic odyssey, visitors embark on an ethereal journey that transcends time, space, and cultural boundaries—an experience that leaves an indelible mark on the soul and provokes a renewed outlook on the nature of icons and their role in our lives.
