Don't Miss This Glassworks Exhibition In A 16th-Century Venetian Palace

The old Venetian art of glassblowing is brilliantly revived in a fabulous 16th-century palazzo at GLASSTRESS, an unmissable collateral event of the Venice Biennale.

The stunningly beautiful Palazzo Cavalli-Franchetti houses part of this year’s GLASSTRESS, a special exhibition of glassworks forged by nearly 40 participating contemporary artists.

The palace’s spectacular interior is jarringly juxtaposed—yet astoundingly complimented—by Erwin Wurm’s signature dancing sausages, Paul McCarthy’s infamous butt plugs, and large-scale installations such as intricate glass chandeliers.

Erwin Wurm, Venetian Sausage Small, 2016, injected blown glass

Loris Gréaud, The Unplayed Notes Factory, 2017, glass, light bulbs, metal. Photo credit: Greaudstudio

Some of the biggest names in art, from Swiss sculptor Ugo Rondinone to tech art collective Random International, are present in the showcase. Chinese artist Ai Weiwei, who made his GLASSTRESS (and glass art) debut this year, called the Fondazione Berengo initiative “exceptionally brilliant” for the ways in which it “develop[s] this old technique into a new language.”

Ai Weiwei in the Berengo Studio furnace, 2016

“With little or no prior experience working with glass, these artists have embraced the challenge of creating extraordinary works in this very delicate medium in collaboration with Muranese artisans,” the press release explains. “The remarkable output of this unusual encounter defies the stereotypes associated with this ancient craft, ultimately pushing the boundaries of both contemporary art and glass.”

Showcasing small glass objects alongside large installations, GLASSTRESS 2017 is a nod to a beloved Venetian tradition, and an exceptional component of the 57th Venice Biennale.
Organized by Fondazione Berengo, GLASSTRESS is on view at Palazzo Cavalli-Franchetti, S. Marco, 2847, 30124 Venezia, and in the Berengo Exhibition Space, Campiello della Pescheria, Murano until November 26, 2017.

Karen LaMonte, Reclining Nocturne 1 / detail, 2015, cast glass

Laure Prouvost in the Berengo Studio furnace, 2017

Laure Prouvost, On My Way to You, 2017, glass

Brigitte Kowanz in the Berengo Studio furnace, 2017

Sabine Wiedenhofer in the Berengo Studio furnace, 2017

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.