Venice Prepares to Host Historic Exhibition Honoring Marina Abramovic's Legacy
In 2026, the esteemed Galleria dell'Accademia in Venice will become the first museum to host a major exhibition featuring Marina Abramović. As she celebrates her 80th birthday, Abramović will make history as a pioneering performance artist, marking a significant milestone for women in the art world.
Abramović's groundbreaking work has consistently pushed the boundaries of endurance and catharsis, transforming visceral experiences into powerful art forms. Her innovative practice often leverages the human body as a site of vulnerability, transformation, and shared experience. The exhibition "Marina Abramović: Transforming Energy" promises to deliver a resonant dialogue between her pioneering work and Renaissance masterpieces that have defined Venice's cultural identity.
Some of Abramović's most iconic pieces will be showcased alongside early performances and projections, including the provocative "Rhythm 0" (1974), "Light/Dark" (1977), and "Balkan Baroque" (1997). A particularly striking highlight will be her collaboration with Ulay on "Pietà" (1983), paired with Titian's unfinished masterpiece of the same name. This unprecedented pairing reframes Renaissance themes through a contemporary lens, underscoring the body's enduring role in experiences of suffering and spiritual elevation.
Curated by Shai Baitel, artistic director of the Modern Art Museum Shanghai, in collaboration with Abramović, the exhibition will unfold across both permanent and temporary gallery spaces. For the first time, Abramović's work will become deeply embedded within Venice's artistic patrimony, highlighting her influence on the city's centuries-old visual language.
The event promises to be a pivotal moment for contemporary art, as it brings together past and present, material and immaterial, body and spirit. By honoring Abramović's legacy, the exhibition "Transforming Energy" ensures that her innovative practice will continue to inspire future generations of artists.
In 2026, the esteemed Galleria dell'Accademia in Venice will become the first museum to host a major exhibition featuring Marina Abramović. As she celebrates her 80th birthday, Abramović will make history as a pioneering performance artist, marking a significant milestone for women in the art world.
Abramović's groundbreaking work has consistently pushed the boundaries of endurance and catharsis, transforming visceral experiences into powerful art forms. Her innovative practice often leverages the human body as a site of vulnerability, transformation, and shared experience. The exhibition "Marina Abramović: Transforming Energy" promises to deliver a resonant dialogue between her pioneering work and Renaissance masterpieces that have defined Venice's cultural identity.
Some of Abramović's most iconic pieces will be showcased alongside early performances and projections, including the provocative "Rhythm 0" (1974), "Light/Dark" (1977), and "Balkan Baroque" (1997). A particularly striking highlight will be her collaboration with Ulay on "Pietà" (1983), paired with Titian's unfinished masterpiece of the same name. This unprecedented pairing reframes Renaissance themes through a contemporary lens, underscoring the body's enduring role in experiences of suffering and spiritual elevation.
Curated by Shai Baitel, artistic director of the Modern Art Museum Shanghai, in collaboration with Abramović, the exhibition will unfold across both permanent and temporary gallery spaces. For the first time, Abramović's work will become deeply embedded within Venice's artistic patrimony, highlighting her influence on the city's centuries-old visual language.
The event promises to be a pivotal moment for contemporary art, as it brings together past and present, material and immaterial, body and spirit. By honoring Abramović's legacy, the exhibition "Transforming Energy" ensures that her innovative practice will continue to inspire future generations of artists.
i think its really cool that the exhibition is going to put abramovićs work alongside titians unfinished masterpiece tho...its like theyre trying to show how art has evolved over time but still stays true to the same emotions 
and shai baitel is such a great curator, his collaborations are always so innovative 
Marina Abramović is a total legend and it's amazing that Venice is hosting an entire exhibition in her honor. I mean, can you think of anyone else who has made such a huge impact on the art world? Her work is so innovative and groundbreaking, it's like she's pushing the boundaries of what we even consider "art". And pairing her work with Renaissance masterpieces? Mind blown! 
It's going to be so cool to see how she's influenced Venice's artistic patrimony. I'm definitely planning on checking this out ASAP! 
. It shows that art isn't just about some random dude making a bunch of paintings anymore, but about pushing boundaries and exploring human experience. I'm also low-key obsessed with the idea of her collaboration with Ulay on "Pietà" - it's like this whole other level of meaning and interpretation 
and I'm so here for it!
I've heard of some of her work, like that one piece where she puts 72 objects out on the floor to see what people do... Rhythm 0 or something? 
It sounds kinda crazy but also really interesting.
But at the same time, it's also really beautiful? 
. Her art is like a punch in the gut, you know? It's raw emotion, vulnerability on display 
. And pairing her work with Renaissance masterpieces? Genius 
. I love how she's pushing boundaries of what it means to be human, all while honoring the past. This exhibit is gonna be a game-changer for contemporary art 
. I hope they have some interactive pieces too, Abramovic's performances are always immersive 
. Can't wait to see this in person!
. And to see her work showcased alongside Titian's masterpieces? Game-changer 
.
. Shai Baitel's curating skills are on point too 
- this exhibition is gonna be epic! 
She's got over 1.5 million followers! Anyway, I'm super excited for this exhibition in Venice - it's going to be a total game-changer (pun intended) 
meanwhile, the real art is out there being experienced by people in the streets. why do museums always have to be so stuffy & boring? 
The fact that this exhibition is being curated by Shai Baitel and Abramović herself is just the icing on the cake - it's going to be a truly unforgettable experience. 
. It's also great to see Abramović being recognized for her contributions to the art world, especially at 80! She's truly a trailblazer 
. I mean, 80 years old is pretty old to be making a comeback like this. And who gets to curate an exhibition about someone else's work? Some guy with connections and a fat paycheck, probably 
. And what's up with pairing Abramović's "Pietà" with some old Titian painting? Like, isn't that just cultural appropriation or something? 
. Can't wait to explore this expo and learn more about her groundbreaking work 
I mean, I'm all for women empowering each other but seriously, Marina Abramović has always been a bit of a wild child 
. But hey, if anyone can do it at this age, it's her! 
. Anyway, can't wait to see what kind of 'transforming energy' they'll be showcasing... hope they include some of her more...interesting pieces