Bernar Venet, one of the world’s most influential conceptual artists, first exhibited in Venice at the 39th International Art Exhibition in 1978. Now, more than 40 years later, the French artist returns to Venice with an extensive solo exhibition on the occasion of the Biennale di Venezia Arte 2024. This view of Venet’s radically conceptual beginnings is far from any mainstream art from the early 1960s, and will focus on his influential statements for art since then.

From April 20 to June 16, 2024, the Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana, located on Piazza San Marco, is presenting „Bernar Venet – 1961… Looking Forward!“ in cooperation with the Ministero della Cultura and the Association for Art in Public. In one of Venice’s most iconic locations, the historic Sala Sansoviniana, accessed via the Museo Correr, Venet’s works will be placed in an art-historical setting with paintings by Titian, Tintoretto, and Veronese.

“Bernar Venet – 1961… Looking Forward!” will feature the artist’s iconic Tar paintings and Cardboard Reliefs as well as two impressive spatial installations. As the title of the exhibition alludes, visitors will be confronted with the very beginnings of Bernar Venet.

Photo ©: Michele Agostinis