Biography

2024 - Venezia, Italia

Born in Venice on December 9, 1936, Gianmaria Potenza has been a pivotal figure in the Venetian art scene from the post-war era to the present day. His work is marked by continuous innovation and a rich exploration of techniques and materials, pushing the boundaries between art, sculpture, and design.

Potenza’s success has been underscored by prestigious commissions from leading Italian corporations, banks, naval groups, hotels, and churches. These projects have provided him a platform to showcase his art on a grand scale, establishing his name synonymous with artistic excellence and innovation in contemporary art. Beyond his creative endeavours, Potenza is renowned for founding La Murrina Glassworks in 1968, a venture that blends traditional Murano glassmaking with cutting-edge design, significantly contributing to the revival and global promotion of Murano’s artistic glass.

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“My works are born in Venice, a city that has given me everything”.

Gianmaria Potenza
His career highlights include participation in six editions of the Venice Biennale, notably in 1952 and 1954, as the top student at the Institute of Art in Venice. However, his groundbreaking presentation of the floating sculpture “Ninfea Armonica” at the 1986 Biennale catapulted him to international fame. This multimedia masterpiece seamlessly integrated painting, sculpture, set design, and sound, pushing the boundaries of traditional artistic mediums. In 1994, Potenza showcased his works at the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art in Istanbul, a testament to his role as a cultural bridge between the artistic traditions of Istanbul and Venice. Since then, his art has garnered widespread acclaim through exhibitions across Europe, Russia, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States, underscoring his ability to reinterpret Venetian artistic traditions in a contemporary light and his global reach. Potenza’s portfolio also includes numerous public artworks, such as the bronze sculpture “Mondo in Croce” for the Erarta Museum in St. Petersburg (2013) and the striking “Freccia” for the Carabinieri School in Florence (2018). His works can also be found at prominent locations like Aventura City Hall in Florida and Tulane University in New Orleans, reflecting his global impact and enduring artistic legacy.

Dorsoduro 1450

30123 Venezia
+39 041 5287266
info@fondazionepotenzatamini.it

Dorsoduro 1450

30123 Venezia
+39 041 5287266
info@fondazionepotenzatamini.it