Thomas Schütte’s first major solo exhibition in Italy, at Punta della Dogana, offers a non-chronological journey that pursues contrasts and evolution. Upon entering the exhibition, we sense the constant flow of motifs from the 1970s to the present, much like the tide of the sea. The essence of Schütte’s practice is to observe how forms emerge and diversify; this leads us not only to his sculptures but also to the roots of the artist’s thought process.
The heart of the exhibition revolves around approximately fifty sculptures from the Pinault Collection and around one hundred paper works (drawings, watercolors, and prints) from the artist’s own archive, never previously exhibited. This comparison reveals how Schütte’s sculptures are in constant dialogue with his painting and drawing practice. On one side stand monumental and concrete sculptures, while on the other, delicate lines on paper whisper the initial intention and potential of those forms.
Our experience is further enriched by the curatorial vision of Camille Morineau and Jean-Marie Gallais. As we tour the exhibition, we notice that although the materials and scales of Schütte’s sculptures change, the underlying humane and often critical spirit never fades. This is not merely a summary of an artist’s career; it is a powerful and inviting lesson that shows how forms, ideas, and aesthetics pass from one generation to another or from one medium to the next.
Exhibition Information:
- Artist: Thomas Schütte
- Exhibition Title: Genealogies
- Venue: Punta della Dogana, Venice
- Dates: April 6 – November 23, 2025
- Important Note: The artist’s first major solo exhibition in Italy.
