Europe’s most extensive exhibition of Julie Mehretu’s art

Art Box Portal //

Julie Mehretu (1970) is an Ethiopian American contemporary visual artist known for her multi-layered paintings of abstract landscapes on a large scale. Born in Ethiopia, she moved with her family to the US in 1977 during a time of political strife. Since then, she has become one of the most prominent figures in the fast-growing contemporary African art world. Her abstract painting „Walkers With the Dawn and Morning“ fetched $10.7 million at Sotheby’s in New York.

Photo_Art Box Portal

Ensemble,“ curated by Caroline Bourgeois, is the largest exhibition of Mehretu’s work in Europe to date, presented at Palazzo Grassi from March 17, 2024, to January 6, 2025. Curated by Bourgeois, Chief Curator of the Pinault Collection, in collaboration with Mehretu, the exhibition features a selection of over fifty works spanning 25 years, including recent paintings from 2021―2024. Displayed across two floors, the exhibition showcases 17 works from the Pinault Collection alongside loans from international museums and private collections.

Photo_Art Box Portal

What sets this exhibition apart is its inclusion of artworks by Mehretu’s close circle of friends and artistic influences, such as Nairy Baghramian, Huma Bhabha, Robin Coste Lewis, Tacita Dean, David Hammons, Paul Pfeiffer, and Jessica Rankin. Through this collective presentation, the exhibition explores the interconnectedness of creative minds, highlighting the impact of collaboration and exchange on artistic expression.

Photo_Art Box Portal

„Mehretu’s abstract compositions, characterized by intricate layers of marks and vibrant emotions, take center stage, offering viewers a glimpse into her multifaceted perspective. Drawing from diverse influences, including art history and socio-political commentary, Mehretu’s works invite audiences into a world of boundless creativity and introspection.“

In cooperation with K21–Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen (Düsseldorf), the exhibition will be presented in 2025. Additionally, a series of conferences and cultural events open to the public will further explore the themes of the exhibition as part of the cultural program of the Teatrino di Palazzo Grassi.

 

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.