"Breasts" is a daring exploration of one of art's oldest and most controversial subjects, now on display at the 60th Venice Biennale. This exhibition delves into the multifaceted symbolism of breasts, ranging from their historical significance as symbols of fertility to their modern portrayal in the realms of desire, motherhood, feminism, and more.
Curated by Carolina Pasti, "Breasts" features works by renowned artists such as Cindy Sherman, Robert Mapplethorpe, and Salvador Dalí, alongside pieces by emerging talents like Anna Weyant, Chloe Wise, and Lakin Ogunbanwo. The exhibition is housed at the Palazzo Franchetti and is organized into five rooms, inviting viewers to engage in a dialogue with the artworks and each other.
The exhibition begins with a striking comparison between an early 16th-century Madonna and child painting by Bernardino del Signoraccio and a contemporary self-portrait by Cindy Sherman, exploring themes of motherhood and exaggerated anatomy. From there, the show traverses various mediums including painting, sculpture, photography, commercial advertising, and video art, offering diverse perspectives on the representation of breasts through both male and female gazes.
Notably, "Breasts" also serves as a platform to raise awareness about breast cancer, with a portion of its catalog sales benefiting the medical research non-profit Fondazione IEO-MONZINO. The exhibition's thematic staging, featuring vivid pink backdrops and a passageway dubbed "Booby Trap," further emphasizes its commitment to the cause.
With its bold exploration of a universally relevant yet often taboo subject, "Breasts" challenges viewers to reconsider their perceptions and engage in meaningful conversations about gender, sexuality, and health. And of course, the opening night festivities, complete with suggestively shaped chocolate bon bons and burrata, playfully embrace the theme of the exhibition.
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