Groundbreaking Exhibition Explores Connection Between Art and Breasts
Eternal Fascination
What is one of the earliest and enduring subjects in art and media — as well as one of the most censored? Breasts. In various forms, breasts have been present in art since the early days. First carved large onto small “Venus” figurines some 25,000 years ago as totems of fertility, they now hold significance as a potent symbol of desire, motherhood, feminism, sexism, beauty ideals, defiance, and controversy. The immense power they possess greatly depends on the context in which they are presented.
A Bold Exhibition
Achieving numerous layers of research, introspection, and artistic interpretation, the exhibition “Breasts” makes a powerful statement. Taking place at the 60th Venice Bienniale, the Palazzo Franchetti is currently hosting the exhibition. The show features an impressive lineup of artists including acclaimed names like Cindy Sherman, Robert Mapplethorpe, and Salvador Dalí. It also provides a unique platform for emerging artists like Anna Weyant, Chloe Wise, and Lakin Ogunbanwo. The exhibition is intricately curated by Carolina Pasti to encourage dialogue between artists themselves, as well as with the viewers.
An Intimate Experience
“It’s a very intimate exhibition, which allows international artists to explore their connection with one another,” highlights curator Carolina Pasti in a recent video call. Palazzo Franchetti, with its art deco designs, provides the perfect backdrop for this stimulating conversation through art.
Renaissance Influence
The exhibition commences with a remarkable juxtaposition, placing an early 16th-century Madonna and child painting by Bernardino del Signoraccio alongside Cindy Sherman’s self-portrait. Both artworks, showcasing motherhood, feature exaggerated anatomy. Del Signoraccio’s painting portrays baby Jesus exposing his mother’s rigid bosom, while Sherman presents a hyperreal silicone torso in her interpretation of Raphael’s painting “La Fornarina.” This comparison artfully links the influence of Renaissance artists to contemporary perceptions of breasts.
A Visual Journey
Through various mediums such as painting, sculpture and design, photography, commercial advertising, and video art, this exhibition delves into the male and female gaze. The portrayal and symbolism of breasts in different art forms is thoroughly explored.
Artist Teniqua Crawford remarks, “It goes back to cave paintings — we’ve always been fascinated with the human form, and particularly the female form, which has this incredible allure and mystery. Artists keep going back to it.”
Awareness and Support
“Breasts” holds a dual purpose in promoting breast cancer awareness. The exhibition has formed a partnership with the medical research non-profit Fondazione IEO-MONZINO. A portion of both catalog sales and exhibition proceeds will be donated to this charitable cause. Upon entering the exhibition, visitors are enveloped by a vivid pink staging and backdrops, inspired by breast cancer awareness. The pink passageway entitled “Booby Trap” designed by Buchanan Studio features 35 anatomical lights, further highlighting the importance of breast health.
Visually Stunning Delights
Aligning with the chosen theme, the opening night offers temptations shaped in line with the theme. The treats, including suggestively shaped chocolate bon bons and burrata, provide guests with a memorable and tongue-in-cheek experience from start to finish.
Exhibition Highlights
