If you are passionately interested in contemporary art and you like glass, Murano island is your destination: hop on a boat with me!
We’ll discover the iconic Berengo Studio where incredibly gifted glass masters work together with the most renowned contemporary artists in the world.
On the other hand, if you prefer to stay in Venice, this year you’ll have the chance to see a number of engaging solo shows by artists that have been working with the Berengo team. There’s a new exhibition by English artist Tony Cragg at grand palazzo of Ca’ Tron, and further down the Grand Canal by the Accademia bridge we’ll discover the work of Swedish artist Bertil Vallien and the most virtuoso Czech glass master Martin Janecký at Palazzo Franchetti. A stroll through Saint Mark’s square and we’ll stop to admire an artwork by Argentinian artist Leandro Erlich in the Negozio Olivetti, and then marvel at the huge chandelier by Belgian artist Koen Vanmechelen in his exhibition at Palazzo Rota Ivancich.
Photo Credits: Karolina Sobel
The Studio liaise and help artists to translate their visions to the maestros, but quite often the communication is nonverbal, happening directly through drawings, sketches, eye gestures, expressions, and energy!
Together with its sister Foundation, Berengo Studio has organised major exhibitions around the whole world, but its most important one is definitely Glasstress, launched in 2009, it accompanies the Venice Biennale and showcases contemporary art made with glass.
This year it will open its doors at the beginning of July.
Berengo’s main idea was to pass the threshold that separated the world of traditional glass from the artistic vanguard scene.
Instead of producing only decorative objects like chandeliers or tableware, he encouraged artists to use glass as a serious medium for sculpture and contemporary art.
Through his glass furnace more than 300 international artists have created works in glass with Murano craftsmen.
Photo credit: Francesco Allegretto
Collaborators of the Studio include figures such as: Ai Weiwei, Tracey Emin, Wael Shawky, Tony Cragg, Thomas Schütte, Erwin Wurm, Koen Vanmechelen, Laure Prouvost, and many more.
Visiting Berengo Studio on Murano island is a unique experience, and one that revolutionalises one’s understanding of glass as a medium for sculpture. It also confirms the incredible role of this Studio in reviving the world of Murano glass by merging traditional Venetian craftsmanship with contemporary international art. A unique experience not to be missed!
Highlights: Berengo Studio, Venice Biennale, Contemporary Art
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Which Venice will you discover?
INTRODUCTORY TOURS
These tours are intended for first time visitors who wish to become acquainted with Venice’s main sights and landmarks, gaining an overall picture of its history and modern-day life.
IN DEPTH TOURS
Art, in all forms has been a unique ingredient of Venice’s success. Discover the magnificence of the grand Venetian architects and painters. For the ones that live in the now the contemporary art, contemporary architecture and the truly authentic glass studios where masters are at work.
UNUSUAL TOURS
These tours are intended for visitors who wish to experience areas and sites rarely seen by tourists, in both urban locations and beyond. Take this opportunity to discover truly authentic art studios, furnaces and lagoon islands with us.
