EXHIBITION REVIEW
VISIONS – ANIMA MUNDI 2024
Palazzo Albrizzi-Capello, Venice | June 07 – 21, 2024
Palazzo Pisani-Revedin, Venice | June 20 – July 04, 2024

ITSLIQUID Group, in collaboration with ACIT Venice – Italian-German Cultural Association, is glad to announce the great success of  VISIONS, third appointment of ANIMA MUNDI 2024, which took place in Venice at Palazzo Albrizzi-Capello from June 07 to June 21, 2024, and at Palazzo Pisani-Revedin from June 20 to July 04, 2024, during the 60th Venice Biennale of Art.

Click here to read more about the press release
Click here to see the photo full reportage Palazzo Albrizzi-Capello
Click here to see the photo full reportage Palazzo Pisani-Revedin

ANIMA MUNDI is the invisible energy behind all the natural and artificial elements that allow the planet to live. Thanks to the hidden connections of ANIMA MUNDI, all the ecosystems of the Earth, before and after the appearance of mankind, found their equilibrium, their ways to live and to develop themselves, to transform and to evolve. All the beings of the planet, plants, minerals, and animals are permeated by a secret force that has always stimulated human thought and research.

The festival aims to discover these multiple forms of hidden connections between the soul and the body, mankind and the natural elements, the natural spaces and the cities. We invite artists to show their reflections about the various ways in which the ANIMA MUNDI expresses the relationships among all the existing entities and the natural and cultural systems and to represent by their artistic works the processes of the evolution of the world in which we all live. 

The first event was held at Palazzo Albrizzi-Capello, where its historical presence in the heart of Venice, provided an environment that reflected the festival’s themes of transformation, evolution, and interconnectedness: such is the work of Riitta Nelimarkka, characterized by vibrant colors and intricate details, reflecting a newfound creativity and a deep appreciation for the natural world. Her woolen relief was inspired by a vivid dream, blending animal and human forms into a singular metaphor, exploring the connection between humans and nature and emphasizing our shared roots. Fatima Sa further expanded on this idea, by focusing on capturing the essence of nature, particularly through her paintings of plants. Her work is characterized by vibrant colors and intricate details, reflecting a newfound creativity and a deep appreciation for the natural world.

Mixed media artist Mieke Van Cauter incorporated various materials and structures to create both narrative and abstract pieces, taking inspiration from personal experiences and current events, with a strong emphasis on color and texture to convey her stories and emotions.

Venice, with its timeless allure, served as a perfect backdrop for the ANIMA MUNDI exhibition: inspired by this evocative setting, Pauline Phoon created an intricate installation using layers of low iron glass, mirrors, dichroic film, and iridescent opalescent glass, assembled with LED lights. Her work combined simple lines and vibrant colors to contrast the complexity of modern life, reflecting her rediscovered passion for art. Phoon’s installations offered a peaceful retreat and a space for contemplation. Also using installation as a medium of expression, Magdalena Ferrer paid tribute to French actress Catherine Deneuve and her friendship with designer Yves Saint Laurent with a clothed mannequin, blending cinematic nostalgia with haute couture, reflecting Deneuve’s iconic performances and elegant persona.

Capturing the silent presence of things through colors, Pauline Goutain‘s paintings invited viewers to explore the mystery and beauty of life, reflecting on humanity’s place in the universe and our connection to existence. Using similar artistic means, Diana-Roxana Rîmbu‘s mixed media work explored the complexity of self-discovery and the courage required to pursue one’s dreams amidst life’s struggles, while Christa Bietz, with her whimsical and poetic approach, revealed playful, fairy-tale-like quality paintings that encouraged viewers to find humor and fantasy in everyday situations.

The opening night at Palazzo Albrizzi-Capello was further enriched by numerous performances, including Simona Di Nardo‘s “Zapping” – a dynamic series of artistic snippets that comically explored the possibilities of the human body, as it unfolded with the spontaneity of a dream, setting up scenarios that suddenly dissolve into nothingness. This approach emphasized the transient and unexpected nature of human experiences, reflecting Di Nardo’s inventive and playful artistic vision.

Among the video artists involved, Graciela Cassel focused on the transformative power of materials and their interaction with new technologies: her videos and mixed-media installations often evoke dreamlike states, using elements like light, water, and air to create immersive, kaleidoscopic experiences. Cassel’s work challenged the viewer to engage with fleeting, intangible images, reflecting cherished memories that surface unpredictably, outside of conscious control.

The dialogue between past and present, tradition and innovation encouraged visitors to reflect on the enduring influence of hidden forces that shape our world: in the same way, merging traditional and digital art techniques, Phlip van den Dool, used screen printing, alongside iPad technology, to display a lively color palette and a distinct personal style, embodying a dynamic interplay of light and form. Through the lense of her camera, Clara Garrido‘s photography focused on light and form to create ethereal scenes; her work often features unusual structures and vibrant color combinations, aiming to illustrate the delicate link between nature, the planet, and the universe, prompting contemplation of the natural world’s fragility and wonder.

The opening event at Palazzo Pisani-Revedin introduced viewers to Yaël Lamglait‘s “Visions into the Whirl”, who captivates the audience with a solo dance inspired by the sacred dance of the Whirling Dervishes, set to Trio Joubran’s “Nawwâr,” as the body, moved by the music, embarks on a sensual and mystical journey, channeling intoxicating energy that urgently connects to and celebrates life and humanity. Together, artists uncovered the exhibition’s theme exploring the interconnected spirit of the world through their unique perspectives: Evan Murphy, a self-taught photographer from Las Vegas, captured the vibrant interplay of light and life, evolving in New York to explore darker urban themes, reflecting transformative experiences; E. Gabriel Edvy, an American multi-media artist in London, materialized the ephemeral through a methodical yet unpredictable blend of science, sound, and visual art, embodying the tension between control and chance, while Christa Grenawalt’s outdoor paintings by the Pacific Ocean connected the uncontrollable forces of nature to human existence, using acrylics to depict cycles of creation and destruction.

Palazzo Pisani-Revedin also served as a backdrop for several compelling solo exhibitions. Among them, the visionary artist Robert Falcone introduced his “Cane in un mondo post apocalittico”, which delved into the themes of destruction and emptiness that define a post-apocalyptic world and represent a journey that resonated with universal themes of connection, purpose, and resilience. Alongside Falcone’s exploration, the event presented the solo exhibition of the American artist Morgan Allis titled “Goddess Rising”: the artist’s research strived to reclaim old archetypes, uncovering missing pieces of the collective self, and reintegrating them into the world. Through her evocative pieces, the solo exhibition “INSIDE. L’arte ovunque” by Ursula Radel-Leszczynski added a significant contribution to the event, capturing the essence of personal reflection and the search for resonant connections within the realm of modern art, revealing the richness and complexity of the art experience, shaped by individual tastes, cultural influences, and personal journeys.

organized by ITSLIQUID Group
in collaboration with ACIT Venice – Italian-German Cultural Association | GOETHE INSTITUT
curator Luca Curci
project manager Giulia Tassi
project coordinators Giulia Bacianini, Melis Di Gennaro, Amaride Ferrante
collaborators Andrea Medin, Elena Mongardi, Giulia Morroni, Seher Muhtar, Laura Piatti, Annachiara Recchia, Ekaterina Solopova, Silvia Zaccariello, Valentyn Yatsenko
graphic designers Marina Caracciolo, Rosanna Daddario, Silvia Ruggieri

VENUE
Palazzo Albrizzi-Capello
Associazione Culturale Italo-Tedesca (ACIT), Cannaregio 4118, Venice
Opening hours | Monday – Friday . 09.30 AM – 05.30 PM

Palazzo Pisani-Revedin
San Marco, 4013A , 30124 Venice, Italy
Opening hours | Tuesday – Sunday . 10.30 AM – 01.30 PM and 02.30 PM – 06.30 PM

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ABOUT US

ITSLIQUID is a web-based information platform, founded in 2001 by Luca Curci, dedicated to the worldwide distribution of information about calls for entries, exhibitions and events at some of the world’s leading art galleries, museums and foundations selected. ITSLIQUID has already built a readership of more than 250,000 qualified subscribers. Among them architects, designers, artists, collectors, art critics, curators, dealers, and other personalities of the International art, architecture and design world. It provides advertising services, press office services for events and projects, articles and specials published on the website, and media partnership services.

During the last 20 years, ITSLIQUID Group has become a cultural hub between creatives, exhibition spaces and art lovers. Among our international partners, Art Now Fair, Art Vancouver, Design Tokyo, INDEX Qatar, INDEX Saudi, The Big 5 Construct Dubai, The Big 5 Construct Qatar, Photo LA Los Angeles and international magazines like Art Style. ITSLIQUID Group supports some of the most important no-profit organizations, like UNFCCC – United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, SSCS – Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, One Tree Planted, The Ocean CleanUp and Plastic Oceans, with the goal to increase public awareness about environmental issues. Click here to find out more.

ITSLIQUID GROUP includes a section dedicated to the organization of international art events, managing exhibitions of painting, photography, video art, installation and performance; it organizes solo and collective shows, art residencies and international contests. Its object is to use new technologies to globalize the language of art, and to connect artists working in every part of the world.

ITSLIQUID Group manages a variety of art spaces all over the world; among them Palazzo Albrizzi-Capello in Venice and different historical buildings, THE LINE Contemporary Art Space in the London city centre and other different partners worldwide. Since its beginning, the group has organized more than 250 events all around the world, involving more than 5,000 artists, in more than 60 international venues in Italy, the USA, Canada, the UK, Spain, France, etc. Most of the last events have been realized in museums (CCCB – Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona in Spain, NCCA – National Center for Contemporary Arts in Moscow, etc.), galleries and private foundations.

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OUR LOCATION

Palazzo Albrizzi-Capello is one of the most known palaces of the Renaissance in Venice. It is a historical building dating back to the 16th century, and it has been owned by several noble Venetian families, as demonstrated by the frescoed ceilings, the artistic stuccos and the fine furniture that enriches its rooms. The Palace welcomes visitors with its beautiful private garden on the ground floor, and then it gathers the guests in its large first-floor salons, in which past and present dialogue together. The restored Old Masters’ frescoes and the contemporary art masterpieces that are periodically shown in the exhibitions hosted here, make Palazzo Albrizzi-Capello the perfect location for the balance between old and new, between ancient environment and contemporary art, architecture and design.

Today the building is managed by ACIT Venice – the Italian-German Cultural Association – which is considered one of the most important intercultural associations in Europe. Thanks to the ACIT unceasing cultural activity, Palazzo Albrizzi-Capello has nowadays frequent collaborations with the Goethe Institute and with other local and international institutions, maintaining its ancient reputation. Because of these relations, it presents a huge program of memorable art exhibitions, conferences, congresses and concerts. Among the last institutional exhibitions, is its participation in the 58th Venice Biennale with the Guatemala pavilion, the Dominican Republic pavilion and the Grenada pavilion. ITSLIQUID Group already had the pleasure to hold some festivals and exhibitions in Palazzo Albrizzi-Capello, such as MORPHOS Festival and FUTURE IDENTITIES Festival, both in 2014.