Marina Abramovic's 80th Birthday Exhibition to Reveal Transforming Energy at Galleria dell'Accademia in Venice
A major milestone is on the horizon for Marina Abramovic, one of the most influential artists of our time. In May 2026, she will make history as the first woman to receive a major exhibition at the esteemed Galleria dell'Accademia in Venice, during the 61st Venice Biennale. The highly anticipated show, "Marina Abramovic: Transforming Energy," is set to open its doors and shed light on the artist's pioneering performance practice.
A celebration of Abramovic's groundbreaking work will unfold at this iconic museum, featuring some of her most iconic pieces alongside Renaissance masterpieces that have shaped Venice's cultural identity. The show's curator, Shai Baitel, has carefully curated a selection of works that showcase Abramovic's exploration of endurance, presence, and transformation.
Among the highlights of the exhibition is an unprecedented pairing between Abramovic and Ulay's "Pietà" (1983) and Titian's final unfinished "Pietà" (c. 1575-76). This dialogue between two masterpieces from different eras reframes Renaissance themes of grief, transcendence, and redemption through a contemporary lens, underscoring the body's enduring role as a site of suffering and spiritual elevation.
For the first time in its history, "Transforming Energy" will not only be held within the museum's permanent collection galleries but also expand to its temporary exhibition spaces. This ambitious approach will embed Abramovic's work deep within the city's artistic patrimony, marking an important milestone in her career.
By bringing together past and present, material and immaterial, body and spirit, "Transforming Energy" promises to be a captivating encounter that showcases the power of Abramovic's lifelong exploration. Get ready for a unique experience at one of the world's most renowned art museums.
A major milestone is on the horizon for Marina Abramovic, one of the most influential artists of our time. In May 2026, she will make history as the first woman to receive a major exhibition at the esteemed Galleria dell'Accademia in Venice, during the 61st Venice Biennale. The highly anticipated show, "Marina Abramovic: Transforming Energy," is set to open its doors and shed light on the artist's pioneering performance practice.
A celebration of Abramovic's groundbreaking work will unfold at this iconic museum, featuring some of her most iconic pieces alongside Renaissance masterpieces that have shaped Venice's cultural identity. The show's curator, Shai Baitel, has carefully curated a selection of works that showcase Abramovic's exploration of endurance, presence, and transformation.
Among the highlights of the exhibition is an unprecedented pairing between Abramovic and Ulay's "Pietà" (1983) and Titian's final unfinished "Pietà" (c. 1575-76). This dialogue between two masterpieces from different eras reframes Renaissance themes of grief, transcendence, and redemption through a contemporary lens, underscoring the body's enduring role as a site of suffering and spiritual elevation.
For the first time in its history, "Transforming Energy" will not only be held within the museum's permanent collection galleries but also expand to its temporary exhibition spaces. This ambitious approach will embed Abramovic's work deep within the city's artistic patrimony, marking an important milestone in her career.
By bringing together past and present, material and immaterial, body and spirit, "Transforming Energy" promises to be a captivating encounter that showcases the power of Abramovic's lifelong exploration. Get ready for a unique experience at one of the world's most renowned art museums.
Another old person getting all the attention in Venice. Like, what's next? A retrospective on grandma's knitting collection or something? 
Anyway, Marina Abramovic is like the OG performance artist and it's cool that they're giving her a major show at Galleria dell'Accademia. I mean, who wouldn't want to see their work alongside Renaissance masterpieces? 
It's not every day you get to see "Pietà" (1983) next to the original one from like, 500 years ago... that's some transforming energy right there 
. what does it say about the state of the art world when some old artist gets a solo show just on the strength of their age? and its at the Galleria dell'Accademia no less... like, cant they find anyone more talented or interesting to showcase in venice? this is just another example of how out of touch the art establishment is 
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and i love how they're takin it to the temporary spaces, that's some next level thinking 
can't wait to see all the masterpieces and experience this transforming energy for myself! 
! i'm beyond hyped 4 marina abramovic's 80th bday exhibition in venice!! she's literally changing the game with her work & it's so cool that the curators are bringing together art from different eras & mediums. pairing titian's masterpiece w/ ulay's "pieta" is genius 
, can't wait to see how they're gonna display abramovic's own iconic pieces alongside the renaissance masterpieces 
. and that she's making history as the first woman to get a major show at galleria dell'accademia is just incredible 