Marina Abramović: Transforming Energy

Transforming Energy presents a major exhibition by Marina Abramović at the Gallerie dell’Accademia di Venezia, marking the first time the institution dedicates a large-scale presentation to a living woman artist. Coinciding with the Venice Biennale Arte and the artist’s 80th birthday, the exhibition — curated by Shai Baitel — extends across both permanent and temporary galleries, placing Abramović’s work in direct relation to the museum’s historical collection.

Bringing together key performances, new works, and interactive installations, the exhibition traces Abramović’s long-standing focus on endurance, vulnerability, and presence. Projects such as Imponderabilia, Rhythm 0, and Balkan Baroque are shown alongside newly conceived ‘Transitory Objects,’ while Pietà (with Ulay) enters into dialogue with Titian’s late painting. Through these juxtapositions, the exhibition considers the body as a site of transformation, linking performance to longer histories of material and spiritual inquiry.