The Museo Fortuny in Venice is set to host “Selva,” an immersive exhibition by French artist Eva Jospin, from April 10 to November 24, 2024. Curated by Chiara Squarcina and Pier Paolo Pancotto and in collaboration with Galleria Continua, this exhibition is poised to offer visitors a unique and contemplative journey through the realm of nature as conceptualized by Jospin.
Born in Paris in 1975, Eva Jospin has made a name for herself with her intricate and majestic three-dimensional artworks, drawing inspiration from the natural world’s myriad forms. Utilizing a variety of materials—ranging from cardboard to metal parts, and plant elements—Jospin crafts large-scale, scenographic installations that transcend simple artistic expression to evoke a fairytale-like aura wrapped in mystery.
An Ethereal Forest in the Heart of Venice
The centerpiece of the exhibition at the Museo Fortuny is a simulated forest set within the palatial portego, or central hall, of the museum. This installation transforms the space into a mystical woodland, creating a sense of temporal and spatial disorientation for all who walk through it. The experience is designed to transport visitors into a surreal, undefined realm that blurs the boundaries between the real and the imagined.
At the core of this forest lies “Galleria” (2021-2024), a breathtaking arched passageway with a coffered ceiling, meticulously crafted from cardboard, wood, and an assortment of other materials. Inspired by Jospin’s extensive travels across Italy, the structure features motifs from Renaissance and Baroque architecture, classical ruins, and other architectural marvels, infusing the space with a nostalgic yet enchanting atmosphere reminiscent of Symbolist and Nabis movements.
Dialogue with History and Art
What sets “Selva” apart is not just its visual or thematic richness, but also its dialogue with the historical and environmental context of Palazzo Pesaro degli Orfei and the identity of the collections housed within. Jospin’s works reflect an unexpected aesthetic and operational affinity with the poetics of Mariano Fortuny, the museum’s namesake, known for his own explorations of nature, creative processes, textile research, and theatrical artifice.
This exhibition is not only a celebration of Jospin’s unique artistic vision but also an exploration of how historical contexts can intertwine with modern creativity to reveal new insights into the processes of artistic creation and the perpetual dialogue between nature and art.
“Selva” promises to be a thought-provoking experience for art lovers and casual visitors alike, offering a deep dive into a world where art and nature converge in the most enchanting ways.