“The exhibition is focused on what we believe. I believe in the story of a collector who lived 2 thousand years ago. If I close my eyes I can see him, you can’t tell me he never existed.”
Immagine a 2000-year-old treasure discovered on the bottom of the Indian Ocean. A rich loot of a collectionist and freed slave from Antioch who lived between the second half of the First and the beginning of the Second Century A.D., Cif Amotan II. An extraordinary treasure, which the freed slave destined to the temple dedicated to the Sun God which he had erected in his honour.
It’s impossible not to believe these splendors have never existed and that the ship which transported them, the Apistos (“incredible” in Greek), has not delivered them to the sea bottom of the Ocean centuries and centuries ago.
Treasures from the Wreck of Unbelievable is the new masterpiece exhibition of one of the most acclaimed contemporary artists: I’m talking about Damien Hirst, already author of installations, sculptures, paintings and drawings that explore the relationship between art, beauty, religion, science, life and death.
Treasures from the Wreck of Unbelievable: what to see
Until December 3, the exposition spaces of Palazzo Grassi and Punta della Dogana will host an exhibition of works distributed in 5000 square meters. A complex and ambitious project, which has required numerous years for its realization.
If you decide to let yourself be fascinated by the sparkling marine treasures of Cif Amotan, you’ll find unique installations awaiting you, such as bronze, crystal and Carrara marble sculptures, adorned by Hirst with corals and sea creatures to give an impression they have been forgotten at the bottom of the sea for thousands of years. Moreover, ethereal photos and footage of the treasure’s discovery demonstrate its veracity.
There are also references to the genius of Walt Disney, with a collection of sculptures which they have as subjects Mickey Mouse, or “The Jungle Book”. An exhibition that will also appeal to children!
To crown the entire thing is the context: glimpses on the canals offered by the glass walls of Punta della Dogana frame the entire exhibition, where the mythological story of the Apistos blends with the glorious past of the former maritime republic of Venice.
An amazing exhibition, beyond the boundaries of imagination and history. Plunge into its treasures like I did!
Treasures from the Wreck of Unbelievable: useful info
The exhibition begins in Punta delle Dogana (Dorsoduro 2) and continues in Palazzo Grassi (Campo San Samuele 3231). It end December 3 and is open every day, except Tuesday, from 10 to 19. Full ticket costs 18 Euros.
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