On the occasion of the 59th International Art Exhibition, the Museo Archeologico Nazionale of Venice, for years engaged in the renewal of its exhibition design, opens to the public from 21 April to 23 September 2022 with a fascinating exhibition of contemporary art by the London artist Marc Quinn.

The exhibition catalogue, with a graphic design by Studio Ard.works, follows the layout of the exhibition, which unfolds from the exterior of the building and continues through the eight rooms of the museum, which is hosting 49 works from the “HistoryNow” series. The paintings, reproduced as full-page plates, are flanked by some details of the works in the museum’s archaeological collection, in a fascinating and estranging combination of tradition and contemporaneity. Quinn’s screenshots are drawn from the continuous flow and, through the mediation of art, become enduring testimonies, relocated in the museum space.

With his “HistoryNow” series the Artist invites us to reflect on the forms and meaning of today’s digital communication, capturing the viewer’s attention and focusing it on events and people, for example the heroes of the pandemic or the new social icons. Themes such as human rights, racism, contestation of the symbols of power, humanitarian tragedies, environmental disasters and gender equality emerge: urgencies challenging contemporary life on a daily basis.

The volume brings together critical contributions by Marcella De Paoli, Aindrea Emelife, Francesca Pini and an interview with the artist by Jefferson Hack. The project is completed by five conversations-reflections with the artist devoted to the works presented.

Bilingual italian/english edition, translation by Richard Sadleir.

Format: 21,5 x 32 cm
Binding: Hardcover
Pages:    105
Year of publication: 2022
ISBN: 9788892822344
Language: Bilingual Italian/English
Genre: Art
Publisher: Electa