ROME.- "The Large Glass," the latest exhibition at the MAXXI Museum in Rome, curated by the renowned American artist Alex Da Corte, opens to the public on December 13. This exhibition marks a bold new direction for the museum, emphasizing dynamic engagement with artists and intellectuals to reinterpret its collections. By blending tradition with contemporary perspectives, "The Large Glass" offers an immersive and transformative experience that challenges conventional museum presentations.

The exhibition weaves a narrative of change and transformation, uniting works by modern and contemporary artists. Visitors are invited to reflect on themes of alteration and mutability through a carefully curated selection of paintings, installations, photographs, and architectural pieces. Iconic works by celebrated masters interact with creations by emerging contemporary voices, resulting in a vibrant and multilayered dialogue. Alex Da Corte, recognized globally for his multidisciplinary approach, bridges the concrete and the abstract, guiding visitors on a journey through time and space that explores the universe’s dynamic movements.

At the heart of the exhibition is Luigi Ghirri’s 1978 photograph Modena, an enigmatic piece that serves as a metaphor for a "thin membrane" that both separates and connects individuals to the world. This evocative image sets the tone for an exploration of organic and phenomenological themes that transcend traditional artistic disciplines. The exhibition is organized around the archetypes of nature—water, wind, fire, and earth—which are not merely symbols of humanity's connection to the natural world but also represent universal concepts of growth, decay, and transformation. Through an alchemical lens, "The Large Glass" reimagines these elements as catalysts for an era defined as the "age of glass," offering visitors a fresh perspective on the evolution of art.

The curatorial approach has garnered praise for its innovative vision. Emanuela Bruni of MAXXI described the exhibition as a redefinition of the museum’s role, celebrating its commitment to experimentation and dialogue. Francesco Stocchi, Artistic Director at MAXXI, highlighted the exhibition’s multidisciplinary nature, calling it a "call to action" that places artists at the center of institutional critique and reimagines new possibilities for exhibition-making. Alex Da Corte himself reflected on the universal themes underlying the exhibition, likening the journey to "floating in water in search of an island, a place to call home."

The exhibition showcases an impressive array of artistic highlights. Luigi Ghirri’s Modena sets a poetic tone, while Atelier Van Lieshout’s The Globe explores shifting boundaries and perspectives on the Earth. Massimo Bartolini’s Mixing Parfums blends sensory elements, using scents like jasmine and earthy tones to evoke memory and emotion. Alighiero Boetti’s Mappa transforms the world into a striking visual narrative, and Domenico Gnoli’s White Bed elevates everyday details to universal symbols. Kara Walker’s For the Benefit of All the Races of Mankind confronts racism with poignant and powerful imagery, while Gal Weinstein’s Fire Tires, exhibited at MAXXI for the first time, portrays a suspended moment of molecular transformation.

Further enriching the exhibition are Untitled (Redemption) by Francis Alÿs, Marisa Merz’s Senza titolo, and Giuseppe Penone’s Sculture di linfa, which epitomize the Arte Povera movement. Architectural projects such as the Bivacco Fanton by DEMOGO and The Lantern by AWP explore themes of urban evolution, identity, and the interplay between construction and nature. Contemporary photography, including works by Stefano Cerio and Rachele Maistrello, adds another dimension, capturing themes of instability and transformation that resonate deeply within the museum’s dynamic space.

"The Large Glass" serves as a testament to MAXXI’s commitment to bridging its historical heritage with the challenges of contemporary art. Through Alex Da Corte’s curatorial vision, the museum offers a living and evolving narrative that invites visitors to engage with art in fresh and unexpected ways. The exhibition transcends the boundaries of traditional curation, fostering a deep and ongoing dialogue between the art, the institution, and its audience.

Hosted in MAXXI’s Gallery 4, the exhibition celebrates the perpetual exchange between artists and the works they create. Open through the coming months, "The Large Glass" promises an unparalleled journey into the transformative world of contemporary art. For tickets and tour information, visit MAXXI’s official website.

With its innovative blend of mediums and messages, "The Large Glass" stands as a call to reimagine art’s role in shaping perspectives. Through its seamless integration of tradition and innovation, Alex Da Corte and MAXXI have crafted an exhibition that celebrates art as a living, evolving force capable of inspiring and connecting us all.