Explore the Stones of Venice with Ugo Carmeni

The Museum of Palazzo Grimani is pleased to present the exhibition “Ugo Carmeni. Venice Mapping Time,” curated by Daniela Ferretti with Dario Dalla Lana. The exhibition, promoted by the Regional Directorate of Museums of Veneto and the Superintendence of Archaeology, Fine Arts and Landscape for the Municipality of Venice and the Lagoon, and sponsored by the Patriarchate of Venice, offers a fresh perspective on the “stones of Venice” and highlights their unique interaction with light.

A Unique Display of Photographic Works

The sixty-seven exhibited works are enlargements of specific details printed on cotton paper in large format (up to 100 x 150 cm). These artworks are not mere photographs; each photograph is hand-polished with multiple layers of wax to protect the pigments and enhance their vividness. The works are then applied to aluminum panels mounted on a wooden frame, creating a truly unique artistic presentation.

Architectural Exploration of Venice

On the second floor of the palace, Ugo Carmeni exhibits fifty-seven works that stem from a documentation and mapping project of the architectural surfaces of Venice. This project was carried out during the restoration of several buildings and churches of the Patriarchate of Venice, between October 2020 and March 2023. The works not only explore these buildings but also offer glimpses into other significant locations in the city of Venice.

Venetian Bestiary in the Room of Psyche

In the evocative Room of Psyche, Ugo Carmeni composes a rhapsodic Venetian bestiary. The installation includes ten photographs of sculptural animal details, such as lions, dragons, serpents, and eagles, scattered throughout the city of Venice. This carefully curated selection provides a unique and captivating insight into the sculpted creatures that inhabit Venice’s historic sites.

Multimedia Installation and Random Flow

The exhibition also features a multimedia installation consisting of a broader selection of images arranged in an apparently random sequence. This sequence is generated by an algorithm that reacts to the presence of observers, creating a visually diverse experience throughout the entire duration of the exhibition. Additionally, a similar mechanism, connected to the audience’s attendance, determines the composition of the sound design, creating a synergy between the evolving images and sounds. This projection has been specifically designed by the artist Ugo Carmeni in collaboration with Federico Poni for the algorithm and Alessandro Gambato for the sound design.

Contemporary Experiences within a Historical Context

The exhibition “Ugo Carmeni. Venice Mapping Time” is part of a project that aims to establish greater communication between the museum’s rich historical heritage and contemporary experiences. The exhibitions produced and co-produced by Palazzo Grimani Museum enhance its permanent displays and architecture by offering innovative proposals and cultural operations tailored specifically to its spaces.

Exhibition Information

The exhibition is open to the public until November 26, 2023. The Museum of Palazzo Grimani is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM (last admission at 6:00 PM).

Contact and Information

For more information about the exhibition “Ugo Carmeni. Venice Mapping Time” and the Museum of Palazzo Grimani, please visit the official website:

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