Casa Sanlorenzo, the artistic division of the luxury yacht brand, has opened a new exhibition titled "Waves" in Venice, coinciding with the Venice Biennale. Curated by Sergio Risaliti and Cristiano Seganfreddo, the show spans 1,000 square meters across two floors plus a 600-square-meter garden, featuring works by seven artists: Alexander Calder, Lucio Fontana, Fausto Melotti, Tony Cragg, Marcello Maloberti, Christine Safa, and Friedrich Andreoni. The exhibition explores the concept of the wave as a metaphor for artistic expression, with a focus on sculpture and sound, including Melotti's poetic sculptures, Andreoni's immersive sound installation, and Calder's mobiles.
The exhibition matters because it represents a growing trend of luxury brands investing in high-profile art spaces during major art events like the Venice Biennale, blending commercial branding with curatorial ambition. By juxtaposing historical masters like Calder and Fontana with contemporary voices like Safa and Andreoni, "Waves" creates a dialogue across generations and media, reinforcing Venice's role as a global art hub. It also highlights how brand-backed exhibitions can offer significant visibility to both established and emerging artists, while raising questions about the intersection of art, commerce, and cultural prestige.