It's giving iconic
Literally, if you consider the exhibition title ICÔNES. Punta Della Dogana, which is part of the Pinault Collection, looks at spiritual and cultural icons in a way that is thought-provoking.
ICÔNES at Punta Della Dogana
If Marylin Monroe is the icon of Hollywood and the Madonna (not the singer) is one of the most important icons of the Catholic Church, what other icons are there? And do they have to be people? The exhibition is about what individuals, groups, and societies value. The iconic is something that has value for, an impact on and is recognizable by a certain group or person. An icon represents something bigger than itself, something important, something worth caring about.
At Punta Della Dogana, the idea of the icon is divided into the spiritual and the cultural mediated through Modern and contemporary art. The exhibition was curated specifically for the context of Venice, given that it was historically related to the Byzantine Empire, the birthplace of the Christian icon. And honestly, the result is impressive.
I sense strong vibes (I’m an empath btw)
You know that feeling when you enter a spiritual space and you feel the vibration? Art can have a similar impact, induce goosebumps, and make you feel like you are in a special place. This is how I felt walking around this show. A lot of works do not simply deal with spiritual energy but possess some of that same energy themselves. Take Camille Norment’s “Prime” (2016). Four wooden benches face a window like a church altar. The room is filled with the sound of performers humming gospel, soul, and blues melodies. When sitting down on a bench, your body is filled with the vibration of that humming sound. An incredibly powerful work about spiritual music and Black church communities in the States.
Another personal favorite of mine was the tower room upstairs. Kimsooja created a site-specific work titled “To Breathe-Venice” (2023), tiling the floor with mirrors and installing rainbow light reflecting on the brick surface across the walls, windows, and ceiling. The installation is completed by “Mandala, Zone of Zero” (2004-2010), a sound piece consisting of Tibetan, Islamic, and Georgian chants. The artistic space is transformed into one of worship across various faiths and religions with the reflection reminding of colorful church mosaics and the chants from all around the world melting into one.
Changing icons, icons of change
Other works looked into icons as something recognizable within a culture. The American Flag (“untitled”, 2021) makes a totally different impression under the artistic approach of Danh Vo who displays this icon loosely hanging on the wall, torn and dusty. Right on the opposite wall, Edith Dekyndt shows “Ombre indigène” (2014), a video work with nothing but a flag made of black hair swaying in the wind against the pale cloudy sky. The piece itself reflects on the sovereignty of Indigenous communities in the States. In the exhibition, as the wall text explains, the work acquires a new iconic status, reminding of the protesting women in Iran.
She’s an icon, a legend, and she IS the moment.
I like the way that the show did not just take the easy path and present artists as icons, it’s needless to say that artists are iconic cultural figures. But what makes the theme so exciting is that the works themselves are dealing with the concept of the iconic in unique ways and across various cultures. Although some works did not make the cut for me, their connection to the iconic is just too farfetched to be believable. Take Donald Judd’s Minimalist Boxes (“Untitled”, 1991) for example, first because Judd never looked into any themes beyond using industrial material for its own sake and second because this specific piece does not have an iconic status compared to his other works. Still, the mix of more personal and general icons keeps the show engaging. Across the 19 rooms, the relation between physical and conceptual works of art, and religious and pop-cultural themes is very well balanced. So even though the concept of the exhibition starts with the icon of Christianity, it picks up so much more along the process. An iconic exhibition in the most literal sense of the word.
If you’re feeling a lil extra, grab the activity guide and come see ICÔNES until November 26, 2023 at Punta Della Dogana.
Pinault Collection
Punta Della Dogana
Dorsoduro 2
30123 Venezia VE, Italy
Open Wednesday until Sunday from 10 am till 7 pm
Ticket prices vary
https://www.pinaultcollection.com/palazzograssi/en
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See you soon!
Jennifer