Marina Abramović, the renowned performance artist, will present an exhibition titled 'Transforming Energy' at the Galleria dell’Accademia in Venice. The show is scheduled to open in May 2026, coinciding with the Venice Art Biennale. This event marks a significant milestone, as Abramović will be the first living female artist to hold an exhibition at the prestigious academy in its more than 250-year history. Her career has consistently broken barriers, establishing her as a pivotal figure in contemporary art.
Key Takeaways
- Marina Abramović is the first living female artist to exhibit at Venice's Galleria dell’Accademia.
- The exhibition, 'Transforming Energy,' opens in May 2026 during the Venice Art Biennale.
- The show includes iconic performances like 'Rhythm 0' and a re-enactment of 'Imponderabilia.'
- Newer works featuring precious stones and a photograph, 'Pietà (with Ulay),' will also be displayed.
- Abramović previously made history as the first woman to have a solo show at London's Royal Academy of Arts in 2023.
Historic Exhibition at the Accademia
The upcoming exhibition solidifies Abramović’s status as a trailblazer in the art world. Her groundbreaking achievement at the Galleria dell’Accademia follows other significant firsts. In 2023, she became the first woman to have a solo exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts in London. Additionally, in 1997, Abramović was the first woman to receive the Golden Lion award at the Venice Biennale, a major international recognition.
The 'Transforming Energy' exhibition first premiered at the Modern Art Museum (MAM) Shanghai last year. The Venice presentation will be a collaboration between Abramović and Shai Baitel, the artistic director of MAM Shanghai, who is curating the show. Abramović will celebrate her 80th birthday next year, adding another layer of significance to this major event.
Artist Milestones
- 1997: First woman to win the Golden Lion at the Venice Biennale.
- 2023: First woman to have a solo show at the Royal Academy of Arts in London.
- 2026: First living female artist to exhibit at the Galleria dell’Accademia in Venice.
Inspiration from the Great Wall Walk
A central inspiration for 'Transforming Energy' comes from Abramović’s iconic 'Great Wall Walk.' This monumental performance, undertaken in 1988 with her former partner, the late artist Ulay, involved a 90-day journey across the Great Wall of China. The two artists started from opposite ends of the wall and walked towards each other. Their meeting in the middle marked the intended end of their relationship, rather than a planned marriage.
The Venice exhibition will feature representations of 'The Great Wall Walk (1988/2008).' This piece highlights the endurance and conceptual depth characteristic of Abramović’s work. It reflects themes of journey, separation, and the passage of time. The performance remains one of her most recognized and discussed works.
"We travelled by train from Belgrade, and as I stepped out of the station and saw Venice for the first time, I began to cry. It was so incredibly beautiful—unlike anything I had ever seen," Abramović stated, recalling her first visit to Venice at age 14. "Since then, returning to Venice has become a tradition, and after receiving the Golden Lion in 1997, the city has always held a special place in my life."
Showcasing Iconic and New Works
The exhibition at the Accademia will include several of Abramović's most historically significant performances. Among these is 'Rhythm 0' (1974), a six-hour performance in a Naples gallery. During this piece, Abramović stood passively, inviting visitors to use various objects on her as they wished. The props included items like a candle, a comb, a lipstick, a gun, and an axe, demonstrating the artist's exploration of vulnerability and human interaction.
Another powerful work, 'Imponderabilia' (1997), will be re-enacted. In this performance, Abramović and Ulay stood naked in a narrow doorway, forcing onlookers to squeeze between their bodies. This piece challenged audience comfort and explored themes of personal space and physical boundaries. The re-enactment will bring this impactful work to a new generation of viewers.
Performance Art History
Performance art emerged in the 20th century, often involving the artist's body as the primary medium. It challenges traditional art forms by focusing on ephemeral actions and direct engagement with an audience. Marina Abramović is widely considered one of the most important figures in the history of performance art, pushing its boundaries for over five decades.
Precious Stones and Renaissance Dialogue
Beyond her historical performances, 'Transforming Energy' will also display newer pieces. These works incorporate precious stones such as quartz and amethyst, reflecting a shift in her artistic materials and focus. These installations often invite viewers to engage physically or meditate, continuing her exploration of energy and consciousness.
A particularly notable inclusion is the photograph 'Pietà (with Ulay)' (1983). This powerful image depicts Abramović cradling Ulay's body in her lap. The work will be exhibited alongside Titian’s 'Pietà,' the unfinished final painting by the Renaissance master. Titian’s work celebrates its 450th anniversary this year. This juxtaposition creates a unique dialogue between contemporary and classical art, spanning centuries of artistic expression and themes of sorrow and devotion.
The exhibition 'Marina Abramović: Transforming Energy' will run from May 6 to October 19, 2026, at the Galleria dell’Accademia in Venice. It promises to be a significant cultural event, drawing art enthusiasts and critics from around the globe to witness the continuing legacy of one of the world's most influential artists.
