Dysfunctional in Venice

Conversations between past and future, between the universal and Venice’s heritage, the timeless and the current, between design, art, and architecture are all at the core of DYSFUNCTIONAL, a new exhibition, opened this week in Venice by Carpenters Workshop Gallery and Lombard Odier, in celebrating the Venice Art Biennale.

The gallery’s most ambitious project to date, this show includes site-specific works by the gallery’s array of artists/designers situated at the magical and iconic Ca’ d’Oro, the palazzo on the Grand Canal, which was built in the 15th century, and has functioned as a museum since the 20s. One of the leading forces in the contemporary design world, Carpenters Workshop Gallery has staged the installation as  a part of its efforts to bring the design it represents to the broad fine art world.

​The work of each one of the participating artists is taken to the highest and most ambitious level, set against the Venetian Gothic architectural canvas of the old palace, and along with Renaissance works of art. The tracery and quatrefoil openings appear in a new way against Mathieu Lehanneur’s green marble and granite sculptures; Maarten Baas’ enormous clock portraying him at his studio; Studio Drift’s light; Vincent Dubourg’s massive sculpture; Joep Van Lieshout standing lamps, and Nacho Carbonell’s forest giant lights. If you visit the Venice Art Biennale, don’t miss this extraordinary show and the opportunity to experience the power of contemporary design to transform traditional architecture.