“Everybody Talks About The Weather” at Fondazione Prada, Venice
20 May, 2023 - 26 November, 2023
The Fondazione Prada's latest exhibition, "Everybody Talks About the Weather," is a mesmerizing intersection of art and science that delves into the semantics of weather in visual art while drawing attention to the pressing issue of the climate crisis. Curated by the visionary Dieter Roelstraete, the exhibition is housed in the historic palazzo of Ca’ Corner della Regina in the breathtaking setting of Venice, a city feeling the tangible effects of global warming. More than just an art exhibition, it serves as an informative and creative platform that navigates the complex relationship between humanity and meteorological phenomena.
Roelstraete's curation brilliantly amalgamates over fifty contemporary and historical artworks that illustrate how climate and weather have historically shaped our societies. From allegorical and en plein air paintings to cutting-edge multimedia installations and transnational activism, the exhibition captures the artists' longstanding interest in weather as a subject of artistic expression. The display fosters a dialogue between past, present, and future, revealing the continuum of humanity's encounter with weather and its implications on our lives.
What makes this exhibition truly unique is the inclusion of research stations developed in collaboration with The New Institute Centre for Environmental Humanities (NICHE) at Ca’ Foscari University. These research stations are invaluable, providing access to more than five-hundred books, scientific publications, articles, and interviews with scholars and activists. By combining the tools of art and science, the audience is encouraged to engage deeply with the issues addressed in the exhibition. It's a powerful testament to the commitment of Fondazione Prada in disseminating knowledge and sharing the latest results of academic and scientific research with a broader audience.
As you move through the exhibition, the artistic and scientific dimensions seamlessly intertwine, allowing visitors to witness the urgency of climate change through various lenses. The ground floor presents a compelling LED wall displaying weather forecasts from media sources worldwide, connecting viewers to the immediacy of weather and its impact on everyday life. Meanwhile, the first-floor rooms showcase historical and contemporary works that elicit reflections on how weather has shaped human experiences across time.
Through this multidimensional approach, "Everybody Talks About the Weather" confronts the audience with the undeniable truth: climate is a global issue that affects the destiny of people worldwide. Miuccia Prada's vision to merge meteorology and climatology through art and science tools is brilliantly executed, provoking contemplation and action. In the immersive atmosphere of Venice, a city grappling with the consequences of global warming firsthand, the exhibition serves as a poignant reminder that the future of our planet lies in the hands of collective human responsibility.
"Everybody Talks About the Weather" at Fondazione Prada stands as an outstanding example of how art and science can converge to raise awareness about pressing global challenges. It engages viewers in a profound exploration of the climate crisis, leaving them inspired, informed, and motivated to make a positive impact on our collective future. The exhibition's intricate blend of art and research stations makes it a landmark event in the artistic and curatorial landscape, setting a precedent for future endeavors in addressing vital societal and environmental issues through creative expression and scientific inquiry.
