Marina Abramovic’s ‘Transforming Energy’ Makes History at Venice’s Accademia

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Summary

  • Renowned artist Marina Abramović just opened Transforming Energy at Gallerie dell’Accademia in Venice, marking the museum’s first major solo dedicated to a living woman
  • Running concurrent to the Venice Biennale, the exhibition puts the artist’s most pioneering works in direct dialogue with Renaissance masterworks
  • New pieces and performances, alongside her “Transitory Objects” stone and crystal series is also on view

I’ve always been such a huge Marina Abramović fan, and I find her connection to Venice so inspiring! She first visited the Biennale as a teenager and completely fell in love with the city. Then, years later, she made history as the first woman to win a Golden Lion there in 1997. It was for ‘Balkan Baroque,’ which was this incredibly powerful performance involving blood and bones – it really cemented her place as a legend, as far as I’m concerned.

Nearing her 80th birthday, Marina Abramović returns to Venice for a landmark exhibition, Transforming Energy, at the Gallerie dell’Accademia. This is the first major show at the gallery dedicated to a living female artist. Curated by Shai Baitel, the exhibition places Abramović’s groundbreaking performance art alongside masterpieces of the Renaissance, solidifying her importance to the city of Venice, a place she has always cherished.

One of the coolest parts of the show for me was seeing Marina Abramović’s recreation of ‘Pietà (with Ulay)’ right next to Titian’s original painting from the 1500s. It was amazing to see these two works, separated by centuries, both dealing with themes of sorrow and something bigger than ourselves. I also really loved ‘Transitory Objects’ – it was this interactive installation with stone and crystal beds. You could actually lie down or stand on them, and the idea was that it would somehow transmit energy. It felt a little weird, but definitely memorable! It really showcased Abramović’s focus on pushing limits, getting the audience involved, and exploring spiritual experiences.

As a huge fan, I was blown away seeing so many legendary performances – things like Marina Abramović’s “Rhythm 0” from way back in 1974, and “Balkan Baroque” from 1997. But it wasn’t just the classics! The exhibition also featured brand new pieces made specifically for the show, which was really exciting.

According to museum director Giulio Manieri Elia, the space has been redesigned to foster a meditative atmosphere, much like Marina Abramović’s work, and help visitors disconnect from daily life.

Transforming Energy is now on view in Venice through October 19

Gallerie dell’Accademia
Calle della Carità, 1050,
30123 Venezia VE, Italy

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2026-05-08 22:56