Explore Willem de Kooning’s Exhibition in Venice at Gallerie dell’Accademia
Seven years ago, the Gallerie dell’Accademia in Venice hosted the exhibition “Philip Guston and the Poets”, showcasing museum-quality results in a historic setting that elevated Guston to the status of a modern Old Master. Fast forward to the present, a new exhibition titled “Willem de Kooning and Italy” graces the Grand Canal, featuring 78 works including sculptures and drawings. While the curatorial thesis suggests a connection between de Kooning and Italy, the artist’s two Italian sojourns appear more as interludes than major artistic influences.
The display features an array of masterpieces, presenting a mix of magnificent artworks amidst scholarly mismatches. Paintings such as “Bolton Landing”, “Detour”, and “Brown Derby Road” evoke rural Manhattan landscapes rather than Italian connections. Similarly, pieces like “Villa Borghese” and “Door to the River” capture Long Island’s essence rather than Italy’s landscapes.
The exhibition showcases de Kooning’s evolving style, influenced by the likes of Franz Kline, with a focus on his “Rome” series. Despite the geographical inaccuracies in the exhibition’s premise, it delivers a visually striking experience.
Critics have praised the exhibition, with notable reviewers highlighting the sculptures and transformative nature of de Kooning’s art. “Willem de Kooning and Italy” offers a dazzling and immersive experience, showcasing the artist’s diverse range of work.
• “Willem de Kooning and Italy” is on display at the Gallerie dell’Accademia in Venice until 15 September.
• Curated by Gary Garrels and Mario Codognato.
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Naz Baydar graduated from Middle East Technical University with a degree in Product Design. She furthered her education by completing a master’s degree in Art Direction at Elisava in Barcelona. Her work blends art direction, multimedia narratives, and design to craft innovative and transformative experiences. Naz is passionate about creating visual stories that evoke strong emotions and deliver meaningful impact. In addition to her work, she has a deep interest in philosophy and literature, which continuously inspire and enrich her creative process.