Lorna Simpson Comes Full Circle in Venice with ‘Third Person’

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Summary

  • American artist Lorna Simpson has unveiled a new solo exhibition in Venice, titled Third Person
  • Staged at Punta della Dogana, the exhibition features over 50 cross-medium artworks in a sweeping review of Simpson’s practice from the last decade
  • The show is now on view through November 22

Lorna Simpson’s latest solo exhibition, Third Person, is generating excitement in Venice. After a highly successful show at the Metropolitan Museum of Art last spring, the acclaimed artist is presenting her largest European exhibition to date at Punta della Dogana, a Venetian art museum designed by Tadao Ando.

I’m so excited about this exhibition! It has over 50 pieces – everything from paintings and sculptures to film and installations. It really builds on what made her first museum show, Source Notes, so special – that focus on her canvases. And even better, she’s created brand new artwork specifically for this space, which is amazing!

As a longtime fan, seeing this artist’s work featured again in Venice feels incredibly special! It’s a full-circle moment because she was a pioneer – one of the very first African American women to exhibit at the Biennale way back in 1990. And now, to see her invited back for the 2015 edition? It’s a testament to her lasting impact and incredible talent.

The exhibition, organized by Emma Lavigne, Director and Curator of the Pinault Collection, features a selection of the artist’s key works from 2015 onwards. This includes series like Ice, Special Characters, and her newest creations in Earth and Sky. It also showcases paintings originally created for the 2015 Biennale, with Okwui Enwezor as the curator.

In a recent interview, author Simpson explained that their play, Third Person, explores the idea of speaking about yourself or others from an outside perspective – a literary technique called ‘third person’. It also prompts audiences to question the very concept of that ‘third person’ and move beyond simple ‘us versus them’ thinking.

Simpson began her career as a conceptual photographer and continues to be driven by a strong curiosity. She now uses a variety of mediums – including photography, collage, film, and painting – to challenge traditional stories and explore the blurry boundaries of what we perceive, according to the museum.

Third Person by Lorna Simpson is now on view in Venice until November 22.

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2026-05-20 19:56