Gallerie dell'Accademia, one of Venice’s most historic museums, is hosting "Energy in Transition," a major retrospective marking performance artist Marina Abramović’s 80th birthday. The exhibition features iconic works such as "The Lovers: The Great Wall Walk" (1988) and "Balkan Baroque" (1997), for which she became the first woman to win the Golden Lion at the Venice Biennale. Visitors can interact with installations involving crystals, meditation platforms, and energy brushes, transforming Abramović’s once-violent performances into a healing journey. Separately, St. Mark’s Square is hosting an exhibition by Korean artist Lee Ufan, featuring his sculpture "The Kiss."
This retrospective is historically significant as it is the first solo show by a female artist in Gallerie dell'Accademia’s over 270-year history. Abramović’s evolution from boundary-pushing performance art to spiritual healing resonates deeply in a world marked by war and conflict, reinforcing Venice’s role as a sacred site for contemporary art. The concurrent Lee Ufan exhibition further underscores the city’s status as a global art hub during the 61st Venice Biennale.