1948 -1958 Murano Glass and the Venice Biennale

“1948–1958 Murano Glass and the Venice Biennale” is the third chapter in an exhibition series dedicated to the presence of Murano glass at the Venice Biennale. Curated by Marino Barovier, the exhibition focuses on a crucial decade for the revival of glass art, spanning from the resumption of activities after the Second World War in 1948 through to the late 1950s.

During this period, glass exhibitions reflected a renewed vitality in Murano’s production, aligning with the economic boom of the 1950s and the emergence of design culture. The era was characterised by artists who collaborated with various furnaces to experiment with the medium. The exhibition showcases works from renowned glassworks including AVEM, Gino Cenedese, Alfredo Barbini, Barovier & Toso, Seguso Vetri d’Arte, Archimede Seguso, Aureliano Toso, Fratelli Toso, S.A.L.I.R., and Venini. It also features contributions from artists such as Vinicio Vianello, Ezio Rizzetto, and Anzolo Fuga. The project is supported by extensive research into the Historical Archive of Contemporary Arts (ASAC) and various collections, bringing together period photographs, drawings, and documentary materials.