The World of Louise Bourgeois Arrives at Museo Novecento and Museo degli Innocenti in Florence
As if it were an alien figure, an enormous spider by Louise Bourgeois has landed in Florence. This is the first spectacular taste of Louise Bourgeois in Florence, a project in two exhibitions – Do Not Abandon Me and Cell XVIII (Portrait) – hosted respectively at Museo Novecento and Museo degli Innocenti. The first exhibition, curated by Philip Larratt-Smith and Sergio Risaliti, was conceived in close dialogue with the architecture of the Ex Leopoldine (a complex managed for centuries by entirely female communities) and showcases nearly one hundred works created by the Paris-born artist, including works on paper, gouache, and drawings from the 2000s, as well as sculptures in fabric, bronze, marble, and other materials. At the Istituto degli Innocenti, built in 1419 as a hospital to care for children without family support, Cell XVIII (Portrait) is on display, curated by Philip Larratt-Smith with Arabella Natalini and Stefania Rispoli. This visually impactful work seems to almost live in unison with the Innocenti collection.
The opening of the dual exhibition took place the other day in the museum spaces of the ancient Spedale delle Leopoldine in Piazza Santa Maria Novella. Among the guests were several representatives from the worlds of art and culture, including Alessia Bettini, Sébastien Delot, Cristina Giachi, MP5, Argento Celant and many others. In short, “Bourgeois Mania” has erupted on the banks of the Arno (and will last until October 20).
Text: Germano D’Acquisto
Photos: Ludovica Arcero
