Melissa McGill: Marea

The participatory art project “Marea” is on display from 30 April to 10 May 2026 in Corte Nova, Castello. Conceived by artist Melissa McGill, the installation addresses the themes of rising sea levels and the impact of mass tourism on the local community. The exhibition features painted sheets hung from traditional laundry lines, known as “tagge”, which criss-cross the alleyway to evoke the waves of the lagoon and the shared memories of the residents.

The project is the result of an extensive collaboration between the artist and the inhabitants of Corte Nova, who contributed personal stories and testimonies. This dialogue is further documented in an upcoming book and film. The installation serves as a metaphor for the interconnection between humanity and water, celebrating community resilience and the authentic identity of the neighbourhood.

This project follows the artist’s previous local engagement, such as the 2019 public artwork “Red Regatta”, and continues a narrative of civic and environmental awareness rooted in the Venetian urban fabric.