- Date
- 26 JANUARY 2024
- Author
- GLORIA MARIA CAPPELLETTI
- Image by
- FONDAZIONE PRADA
- Categories
- RADAR Newsletter
2024 at Fondazione Prada: Your Complete Guide to This Year's Highlights
At RED-EYE, we find ourselves deeply inspired by the visionary and multidisciplinary approach of Fondazione Prada. As we value the pursuit of diverse perspectives and the sharing of knowledge, we resonate profoundly with the pillars that define its journey. This year marks a significant chapter for the foundation, as it announces an enriching program across its venues in Milan, Venice, Shanghai, and Tokyo, under the stewardship of the remarkable Miuccia Prada.
Her visionary leadership is mirrored in Fondazione Prada's multifaceted activities for 2024, encompassing exhibitions by distinguished artists such as Meriem Bennani, Michaël Borremans, Christoph Büchel, Miranda July, and Pino Pascali. Each project stands as a testament to the foundation's ethos of cultivating creative dialogues across a spectrum of disciplines.
A key highlight of this year's program is the evolution of the "Human Brains" project, an innovative initiative that merges neuroscience with the arts. This, alongside the Cinema Godard screenings and various educational initiatives, epitomizes the foundation's dedication to nurturing a rich cultural discourse.
Miuccia Prada’s own words eloquently capture the essence of the foundation’s mission: “Also in the months to come, our institution will try to explore issues of the present from multiple perspectives, involving artists of different generations and backgrounds to identify tools that challenge current opinions and help us think more profoundly.” This statement underscores her belief in the transformative power of diverse artistic voices to stimulate thought and challenge preconceived notions.
Her leadership at Fondazione Prada takes us on an exciting journey that goes beyond the usual limits. She's dedicated to creating a unique space where art, science, and education come together, which is not only impressive but also matches perfectly with what we at RED-EYE believe in: celebrating diverse cultures and sharing knowledge with everyone.
A Deep Dive into Miranda July's Artistic Universe: "New Society" at Osservatorio
In the heart of Milan's iconic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the Osservatorio Fondazione Prada will unveil a remarkable exhibition from 7 March to 14 October 2024, dedicated to the multifaceted artistry of Miranda July. Titled “Miranda July: New Society,” this exhibition, curated by Mia Locks, marks the first museum tribute to the American artist, filmmaker, and writer in Italy.
"New Society" offers a comprehensive look at Miranda July's creative journey, presenting her new video series, F.A.M.I.L.Y. (Falling Apart Meanwhile I Love You). This series promises to be a compelling exploration of the complex dynamics of human relationships and emotional connections. The exhibition spans three decades of July's work, carefully selecting pieces that best represent her unique narrative voice and artistic evolution. Visitors will be treated to an array of media, from performance and web-based works to installations, all showcasing July's unparalleled ability to merge art with technology and participatory projects.
At the core of “New Society” lies Miranda July's ongoing investigation into themes of risk, intimacy, and the human condition. Her work often blurs the line between artist and audience, creating a uniquely porous relationship that challenges viewers to reflect on their own experiences. July's approach, marked by a blend of vulnerability and humor, seeks to question established cultural norms and hierarchies, inviting audiences to reconsider their perspectives on everyday life.
Complementing this immersive experience, Cinema Godard will host the first complete retrospective of July's filmography in Italy. This retrospective will screen her three feature films – "Me and You and Everyone We Know" (2005), "The Future" (2011), and "Kajillionaire" (2020) – along with a curated selection of her short films and unreleased works. This filmography showcase offers a rare opportunity to witness the evolution of July's cinematic language and thematic preoccupations.
Further extending the reach of Miranda July's artistic influence, Prada Aoyama in Tokyo will host an exhibition focusing on her practice from April to July 2024. This exhibition will provide an additional platform for audiences to engage with July's diverse body of work, encompassing her unique vision and contributions to contemporary art.
Michaël Borremans' Enigmatic Artistry in "The Promise" at Prada Rong Zhai
From 22 March to 14 May 2024, Prada Rong Zhai in Shanghai will become the stage for "The Promise," a captivating solo exhibition dedicated to the renowned Belgian artist Michaël Borremans. This exhibition promises to be a unique cultural event, not only for the intriguing works of Borremans but also for the distinctive setting of the 1918 historical residence that houses Prada Rong Zhai.
Prada Rong Zhai, a meticulously restored Shanghai landmark, represents a harmonious blend of Chinese and Western architectural and decorative traditions. This setting will serve as a fitting backdrop for Borremans' artwork, which itself is known for its intriguing blend of classical technique and contemporary thematic exploration. The intimate and domestic-like spaces of Prada Rong Zhai will offer a unique environment to experience Borremans' paintings, enhancing the sense of anachronism and surrealism that characterizes his work.
Michaël Borremans is celebrated for his ability to scrutinize the human condition through his art. His paintings often feature absurd juxtapositions and a haunting ambiguity that challenges viewers' perceptions. Borremans employs a refined technique, reminiscent of the old masters, yet the subjects of his paintings are far from traditional. This contrast creates an ambiguous tension, inviting viewers to delve into the complexities and contradictions of the human psyche.
"The Promise" at Prada Rong Zhai will showcase a selection of Borremans' pictorial works, each piece contributing to a narrative that weaves through the exhibition. The viewers will be guided on a journey through various themes and emotions, with each painting offering a glimpse into Borremans' profound and often enigmatic perspective.
"The Promise" at Prada Rong Zhai is poised to be an important event in the art calendar of 2024, offering a rare opportunity for art enthusiasts and the general public alike to engage with the work of Michaël Borremans in an environment that echoes the depth and complexity of his art.
Pino Pascali's Legacy Unfolded: A Comprehensive Retrospective at Fondazione Prada Milan
Fondazione Prada in Milan is set to host a remarkable retrospective dedicated to Pino Pascali, a seminal figure in Italian post-war art, from 28 March to 23 September 2024. Curated by Mark Godfrey, this exhibition is poised to offer an unprecedented insight into Pascali's oeuvre, bringing together over fifty works sourced from Italian and international museums, along with distinguished private collections.
Pino Pascali, known for his innovative and playful approach to art, left an indelible mark on the art world despite his tragically short career. The retrospective at Fondazione Prada meticulously divides Pascali's work into four distinct sections, each shedding light on different facets of his artistic journey.
The first section delves into Pascali's unique approach to solo exhibitions between 1965 and 1968. Unlike traditional displays, Pascali transformed exhibition spaces into imaginative environments, offering viewers an immersive experience. This section highlights his ability to transcend the conventional gallery presentation, turning each show into a cohesive and dynamic narrative.
The second part of the exhibition focuses on Pascali's strategic contributions to significant group shows during these formative years. This section showcases Pascali's works and includes pieces by his contemporaries who exhibited alongside him.
The third section is dedicated to exploring Pascali's interaction with his sculptures through the lens of renowned photographers Claudio Abate, Andrea Taverna, and Ugo Mulas. These photographs suggest imaginative ways of engaging with Pascali's works, blurring the lines between sculpture, performance, and photography.
The final section delves into Pascali's experimentation with natural and industrial materials. It explores the origins of these materials, their commercial uses, and their significance in the broader art context, including their adoption by other artists. Through this comprehensive retrospective, visitors will have the opportunity to appreciate the depth and breadth of Pascali's creativity and understand the enduring impact of his brief yet prolific career.
Christoph Büchel's "Monte di Pietà": A Reflective Journey at Venice's Ca’ Corner della Regina
During the prestigious Art Biennale, Venice's historical palazzo Ca’ Corner della Regina will host a thought-provoking project titled “Monte di Pietà” by Swiss artist Christoph Büchel, running from 20 April to 24 November 2024. This project is set within a palazzo that bears the weight of a rich and complex history, making it an ideal backdrop for Büchel's explorative and layered work.
The palazzo, originally a home for the Venetian merchants Corner di San Cassiano, was built between 1724 and 1728. Its foundations lie atop the ruins of a Gothic structure, the birthplace of Caterina Corner, who became the queen of Cyprus in 1454. In the 19th century, the building was owned by Pope Pius VII and later served as the Monte di Pietà, or pawnshop, of Venice from 1834 to 1969. This diverse history of ownership and usage, from merchant home to a religious congregation's property, from a pawnshop to the Historical Archive of the Venice Biennale, and now an art institution, provides a rich tapestry for Büchel's work.
Christoph Büchel’s "Monte di Pietà" delves into the palazzo's layered past to construct an intricate network of spatial, economic, and cultural relationships. The exhibition revolves around the concept of debt as a fundamental societal element and a tool of power. Büchel's installation is envisioned as a complex and multi-dimensional work, incorporating historical and contemporary pieces, new installations, and a diverse selection of objects and documents. These elements collectively explore themes such as property rights, credit and finance, the evolution of collections and archives, and the notions of real and artificial wealth.
Among the diverse works and objects, a highlight of the exhibition is Büchel's "The Diamond Maker" (2020-), a suitcase containing lab-grown diamonds, that symbolize the transformation of Büchel's entire body of artworks, including pieces from his youth, childhood, and those yet to be created. This work encapsulates the theme of transmutation, reflecting on the value and permanence of art in a materially obsessed world.
"The Diamond Maker" serves as a focal point in the exhibition, embodying Büchel's critique of the art world's commodification and the broader societal implications of value creation.
Advancing Neurological Health: "Human Brains" Initiative by Fondazione Prada
Fondazione Prada continues its commitment to advancing brain health through the “Human Brains” project, with a significant event scheduled in Milan on the 17th and 18th of October. The foundation is set to organize the second edition of an international conference, accompanied by an exhibition focused on the crucial role of prevention and early intervention in neurodegenerative diseases. This event is a testament to Fondazione Prada's dedication to bridging the gap between art, science, and societal well-being.
The conference will bring together fifteen leading international research institutes, patient associations, and organizations specializing in brain health, alongside policymakers. This diverse assembly of experts and advocates reflects Fondazione Prada's holistic approach to addressing complex health issues. The goal is to foster productive discussions and dialogue among these varied stakeholders, emphasizing the significance of modifiable factors in neurodegenerative diseases, with a particular focus on environmental influences.
One of the key objectives of this gathering is to issue a powerful “call to action,” aimed at promoting specific measures to combat these diseases. By focusing on actionable steps and practical solutions, the conference aims to reach a broad community, extending its impact beyond the academic and medical fields into the public domain.
The “Human Brains” project has a rich history of insightful and impactful initiatives. The results of its first four phases are noteworthy: the online conference “Culture and Consciousness” in 2020, the streamed panel discussions “Conversations” from 2021 to 2022, the exhibition “It Begins With an Idea” in 2022 in Venice, and the forum and exhibition “Preserving the Brain” in 2022 in Milan. These phases have each contributed significantly to the understanding and awareness of brain health.
In February 2024, Fondazione Prada will release an extensive publication that collates the findings and insights from these phases, as a repository of knowledge and a resource for future research and discussion in the field of neurodegenerative disease prevention and treatment.
Meriem Bennani's Visionary Art: A Fusion of Animation and Installation at Fondazione Prada Milan
From 31 October 2024 to 24 February 2025, Fondazione Prada in Milan is set to host an innovative and thought-provoking new commission by the Moroccan artist Meriem Bennani. This exhibition is poised to offer a unique exploration of the impact of sociopolitical and cultural shifts on our emotional lives, blending the personal with the collective in a groundbreaking artistic format.
Bennani, known for her dynamic and multifaceted approach to art, will present a large-scale installation alongside an unreleased animated film. The installation, a striking mechanical structure, will bring to life hundreds of secondhand items. This part of the exhibition is conceptualized as a chaotic ballet of inanimate objects, each with its own story, coming together in a mesmerizing display of motion and sound. This installation will serve as a metaphor for the complexity and interconnectedness of our contemporary world, highlighting the often overlooked emotional narratives embedded in everyday objects.
Complementing this installation is an ambitious feature film directed by Bennani in collaboration with Orian Barki, and creatively produced by John Michael Boling and Jason Coombs. Set in a fantastical world inhabited by anthropomorphic animals, the film strikes a delicate balance between realism, autobiography, and fiction. The film’s setting, a universe suspended between the real and the imagined, offers a canvas for Bennani to weave together elements of her own experiences with broader cultural and political themes. This blending of the personal with the universal is a hallmark of Bennani’s work, inviting viewers to reflect on their own positions within the larger tapestry of society.
Meriem Bennani’s new commission at Fondazione Prada represents a significant contribution to contemporary art, showcasing her unique ability to merge different mediums and narratives, it's an invitation to engage in a dialogue about the complexities of our times, seen through the lens of one of the most innovative artists of our generation.
Anticipating a Year of Cultural Richness with Fondazione Prada
As we progress through 2024, Fondazione Prada continues to expand its cultural landscape with an array of diverse and enriching programs.
Cinema Godard remains a central hub for the exploration of the cinematic universe, intertwining visual arts and music. The programming for this year, meticulously curated by Paolo Moretti, promises a diverse range of genres and perspectives. We look forward to attending the screenings and public talks with renowned directors, actors, and critics, bringing you the most contemporary and insightful reviews.
In the sphere of education, Fondazione Prada continues its laudable efforts with Accademia dei bambini. The upcoming workshop series “Sogni” (“Dreams”), conceived by Ilaria Turba, is just the beginning of a series of free imaginative and engaging activities for children. Furthermore, the foundation’s outreach extends to elementary and preschools in Milan, offering weekly workshops designed by experts in various fields and the announcement of the winner of the seventh edition of the Premio di Laurea (Degree Award) in June is another key event we are keenly anticipating.
Well, 2024 at Fondazione Prada is definitely set to be a year of remarkable cultural experiences and intellectual growth. We at RED-EYE are excited to be part of this journey, bringing our readers up-to-date reviews and insights from these exhibitions and events. Stay tuned as we explore these most contemporary approaches and share our unique perspectives with our RED-EYE community.
AI co-created text edited by Gloria Maria Cappelletti
Images Courtesy of Fondazione Prada Press Office