Intuition has been a key guiding force in my life. The spark of hope, the air under my wings to take incredible risks, but also the fiery brush of warnings to be heeded. All mercurial.
As I have written, it is this not knowing but feeling that is deeply linked with my love for Venice. When I have absolutely no idea where I am going as I wander its canals, I listen for the voice inside that crisply orders, “Turn left.” As nothing seems remotely “real,” the whispers of my imagination are far more valued than reason as I Hansel and Gretel my way through a waking dream.
Such was my experience as I discovered the exhibition “Intuition” at the Palazzo Fortuny. And I literally stumbled upon it, its entrance barely marked along a small campo. Not knowing what was in store for me, I entered with my mind’s eye open and was rewarded with what is most likely my very favorite presentation that I have seen anywhere in over thirty years of hunting art. And that means above the Picasso Late Works show at MoMa, the Lucian Freud retrospective at the Met, the controversial De Kooning, all of it.
And why? Because of magic. I mean it.
But that implies that just as with its namesake, it is inexplicable. And so while I love to write about art, I can’t here. You will hopefully just trust me along with the tears of mine that fell throughout my visit simply because I was so moved. As with all intuition, the beginning starts in darkness and so does the exhibition with a mysterious Basquiat standing as guardian before a forest of exceptionally rare menhir statues (largely found in France, these Neolithic creations are mans first large-scale representations of himself).
Up from the depths that literally rise from a canal, we are transported into the instinctive worlds of creativity, rock crystal transmitters of dreams, romance and language before climbing up to the top floor where we are delivered into the light of a meditation room. There visitors are encouraged to make a clay ball and then sit in reflection on its weight and meaning.
It is a transcendental path, finally. Perhaps that is why I was so moved; those rippling echoes reminded me of my own efforts and struggles too. And yet the imperfect beauty is overwhelming and ever-present.
There are works by far too many of artists who I adore to name…Cy Twombly, Kandinsky, Hans Hartung, Giacometti, Picasso, Beuys, Anish Kapoor…and even those “who wish to remain anonymous”! But it is their placement in the former home of Mario Fortuny that made me want to take up residence myself and never leave. For those of you in the design world, you will perhaps have a penny drop
aha upon reading that “Intuition” was co-curated by Axel Vervoordt and
the museum director Daniela Ferretti. I think that I would be quite happy there actually, and yes, finally the guards were obliged to shoo me out. I left with regret. But my intuition tells me, strongly, that I will return.
aha upon reading that “Intuition” was co-curated by Axel Vervoordt and
the museum director Daniela Ferretti. I think that I would be quite happy there actually, and yes, finally the guards were obliged to shoo me out. I left with regret. But my intuition tells me, strongly, that I will return.
Once more, I want to walk through the rooms that felt like indirect reflections of a me; those that I am claiming as I find my way.
Intuition
Until November 26th, 2017
Palazzo Fortuny
San Marco 3958
30124 Venice
Open 10am-6pm
Closed Tuesday
Price: 12 Euros
For more information about the exhibition, please click: Here.
*PS. I am (hopefully) back to regular commenting as Disqus did not seem to help those of you who were having problems after all. Feedback, please? Thank you.
San Marco 3958,
30124 Venice
30124 Venice
http://fortuny.visitmuve.it/en/pianifica-la-tua-visita/how-to-get-there/
San Marco 3958,
30124 Venice
30124 Venice
http://fortuny.visitmuve.it/en/pianifica-la-tua-visita/how-to-get-there/
Wonderful post Heather and beautiful pictures! I do hope to visit the Biennale!
xo
Greet
Seek and ye shall find. You always find the beauty and the light to share with us! Thank you! Oh to be in that museum – and in Venice-what Fortuny!!
Wow – I GET IT! I get why you loved it – it's so "you" – the patina alone, not to mention the hues, the warmth, the soul of it all. It looks absolutely amazing and your photos are beautiful; they really give the feel of what it was like for you to go through this exhibit. Did you make a clay ball? I can imagine that they had to shoo you out; what luck that you were there at the right place and time to see it! Thanks for sharing it with us – we are loving it right along with you!
In the 11th from the bottom or 19th from the top, the books on the table. Assuming those are part of the instillation? Speaks most of intuition to me.
Oh I'm so glad disqus is gone. Could the universe and your own spirit have give you a better gift than stumbling onto a diverse and rich art experience called intuition?! I mean f**k, sometimes the meaning of a days unfolding can be so difficult to interpret. But not today! I'm leaving a second comment here in a second to remind myself which photo I want to ask about…
First look, a breathless thank you.
I'll be back.
Joan
That was amazing. I have looked at the images so many times. Wow…wow and yes again….wow!!
Ali
Fabulous.
I have a hard time believing there are spaces this big in Venice that aren't stuffed with humans. What an oasis of calm. And the art is pretty fantastic, too.
Thank you for the tip about menhirs. There are some nearby which I have ignored for 15 years. Now I will go visit them.
I hope you find what you want/need in Venice. Wishing you the best.
it’s no wonder. your photos are extraordinary.
"Wow" the place … et "Wow" your writing. Merci, Rocket.