Berengo Studio brings a modern twist to the craft of Murano glass-blowing
Curated by Vik Muniz and Koen Vanmechelen, the sixth edition of Glasstress explores the possibilities of glass through the lens of contemporary art at the 58th Venice Biennale
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Sign up to our newsletter Newsletter

A showcase of the fruits of Berengo Studio’s labour, the inaugural edition of Glasstress took place in 2009 and has since become a firm fixture of the Venice Biennale. This year’s exhibition sees Glasstress alumni Laure Prouvost, Erwin Wurm and Ai Weiwei (opens in new tab), among others, join newcomers including José Parlá and Denise Milan for a blockbuster tenth anniversary edition of two halves – one that casts its eye to the future, while the other celebrates Glasstress’ greatest hits.
Tiempos Frágiles (Fragile Times), by José Parlá.
A disused glass furnace sets the scene for new works and installations by artists such as Monica Bonvicini and Thomas Schütte. For this section, Brazilian artist Vik Muniz dons his curatorial cap, having invited his peers to explore ‘how glass redefines our perception of space’. He, too, takes part in the show with a pair of hyper-realistic murrine portraits in which he has borrowed from a centuries-old decorating technique. Fellow compatriot and sculptor Valeska Soares has made a series of glass containers, entitled Acqua Alta, that reflect on water as a precious commodity. Argentine artist Pablo Reinoso similarly references Venice with a life-size sculpture based on the wooden poles (bricole) that line the channels of the city and its lagoon.
RELATED STORY
Sculptor Sarah Sze makes a sharp turn to glass at Berengo Studio in Murano (opens in new tab)
Belgian artist Koen Vanmechelen has curate the other section of the exhibition, pulling together highlights from the past ten years. It’s a chance to revisit some of Glasstress’ most memorable works, including Mat Collishaw’s A Different Self (2014), comprising a digital screen embedded in an ornate Venetian mirror frame; and Jaume Plensa’s Barcelona muse (Laura’s Hands, 2011) in a state of dreaming. A special project by Robert Wilson, curated by Jean Blancheart, also forms part of the sixth edition of Glasstress.
Beyond Murano, the studio is supporting a number of artists at the Venice Biennale, from Liliano Moro, who features in the Italian Pavilion at the Arsenale, to Renate Bertlmann, the first women to represent Austria at its national pavilion in the Giardini. Over on San Clemente island, Joana Vasconcelos and Tony Cragg play with perception as their larger-than-life works take over the Palace Kempinski gardens.
Tony Cragg. Courtesy of the artist and Berengo Studio
Valeska Soares. Courtesy of the artist and Berengo Studio
Study of Perspective in Glass (detail), 2018, by Ai Weiwei.
Untitled, 2019, by Vik Muniz. Courtesy of the artist and Berengo Studio
Earth Banquet, by Denise Milan. Courtesy of the artist and Berengo Studio
INFORMATION
‘Glasstress 2019’, 9 May – 24 November, Fondazione Berengo Art Space. fondazioneberengo.org (opens in new tab); glasstress.org (opens in new tab)
ADDRESS
Fondazione Berengo Art Space
Campiello Della Pescheria
Fondamenta dei Vetrai
Murano
VIEW GOOGLE MAPS (opens in new tab)
-
These London spas are utterly relaxing urban escapes
These London spas offer transformative treatments in awe-inspiring spaces for total relaxation in the midst of the big city
By Mary Cleary • Published
-
Max Richter: ‘Visual art culture is wide open in a way that classical music, unfortunately, sort of isn't’
Hot on the heels of Max Richter’s new album, ‘Sleep: Tranquility Base’, and recently opened multi-arts haven in rural Oxfordshire, we speak to the acclaimed composer about creating a sonic antidote to complex times
By Harriet Lloyd-Smith • Published
-
Discover all the Rolex watches released at Watches and Wonders 2023
Rolex unveils bold new additions to its iconic watch families
By Hannah Silver • Published
-
Venice Biennale 2024: a guide to the artists announced so far
Keep up-to-date with our ongoing list of who’s representing who at the Venice Biennale 2024 – here's what we know so far
By Martha Elliott • Published
-
Adriano Pedrosa announced as curator of the 2024 Venice Biennale
Adriano Pedrosa has been announced as the curator of the 60th Venice Biennale in 2024, becoming the first Latin American to spearhead the event
By Harriet Lloyd-Smith • Published
-
Venice Biennale 2022 closing review: who, how and what on earth?
As the sun sets on the 59th Venice Art Biennale (until 27 November), we look back on an edition filled with resilience, female power and unsurprisingly, lots of surprises
By Harriet Lloyd-Smith • Published
-
Bruce Nauman’s Venice mega-show is a full body experience
Focusing on the American artist's performative 'Contrapposto Studies', Bruce Nauman's show at Punta della Dogana, Venice, gives new meaning to body language – on view until 27 November 2022
By Laura May Todd • Published
-
Biennale Arcipelago Mediterraneo: reflections on Sicily’s history and futures
Opening against the backdrop of Italy’s snap general election, the third edition of the Biennale Arcipelago Mediterraneo in Palermo ruminates on past and present global conflicts, interwoven with stories from the Mediterranean
By Hili Perlson • Last updated
-
Mitico: art, luxury hospitality and home cooking collide in Italy
Spearheaded by the Belmond hotel group and Galleria Continua, new initiative Mitico introduces the work of four major artists on the grounds of four iconic Italian hotels
By Amy Serafin • Last updated
-
Ai Weiwei unveils first-ever exhibition of glass sculptures in Venice
On the island of San Giorgio Maggiore, Venice, Ai Weiwei unveils his first show of glass works, including one of the largest Murano glass sculptures ever
By Harriet Lloyd-Smith • Last updated
-
Fredrik Nielsen: the sculptor shattering the rules of glass art
We visit the studio of Swedish artist Fredrik Nielsen, whose radical glass sculptures blur the boundaries of craft and art
By Harriet Lloyd Smith • Last updated