From September 14 to 22, the Fondazione Potenza Tamini will present Gianmaria Potenza: The Creation of La Murrina 1968-1975, a project dedicated to the private collection of glassworks by Gianmaria Potenza, created during the first seven years of activity at the renowned glassworks La Murrina. This exhibition is part of the calendar of events for The Venice Glass Week, an international festival established in 2017 that the city of Venice dedicates to the art of glassmaking, an artistic and economic activity for which the lagoon city has been known worldwide for over 1,000 years.
The exhibition delves into the pioneering spirit of Gianmaria Potenza and his significant contribution to the history of Murano glass from 1968 to 1975. It showcases some of the most iconic pieces designed by Potenza himself and other great designers, including Ezio Didone, Peter Pelzel, and Alessandro Lenarda. For the first time, these precious objects will be displayed to the public, along with rare catalogs preserved in the Potenza Archive, enriching the narrative of this extraordinary creative experience.
The exhibition path in the artist’s Venetian Studio begins with works from 1967 when Potenza collaborated with Ulderico Moretti to create Christmas gifts for friends and colleagues. These early pieces introduce the experiments of 1968 when Potenza founded La Murrina Glassworks in collaboration with Ulderico Moretti. The journey culminates with the works that made La Murrina’s design famous and unmistakable under Potenza’s direction and the craftsmanship of master glassmaker Lino Tagliapietra.
In 1975, focused on his artistic activities, Potenza sold the glassworks to new ownership that diverged from the stylistic path initiated by the artist. This brief experience still represents a significant moment of experimentation and innovation in the history of Murano glass. La Murrina’s products were different, new, and recognizable. Potenza worked following his vision, idea, and stylistic line, which is strongly evident in the entire production of the glassworks. The same “la murrina” brand, a green spiral, recalls the artist’s signature.
The exhibition will feature guided tours by reservation from September 14 to 22. These tours, free of charge and organized in small groups, will provide an immersive experience, allowing you to explore the working spaces of the Potenza Studio and get up close to these masterpieces. A presentation on the history of the glassworks, the context in which it was born, and its protagonists will accompany the exhibition. Meetings with the artist are also planned, during which he will share memories and impressions with the public, offering the opportunity to discover curiosities and anecdotes about the early years of La Murrina’s experience.
From September 14 to 22
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM | 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Sunday 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
To book a visit, please write to info@fondazionepotenzatamini.it.
