The exhibition “Colour and Transparency: Discovering Murano Glass” can be visited until 1 October 2023.

The digital catalogue of the exhibition is available at the following link.

This exhibition is made up of pieces of Murano glass, examples of Italian craftsmanship, in which each of its unique pieces tells a great story.

The connection between glass and painting is unusual. If we look at the sparkles, transparencies and reflections, we can see that in both cases they do not easily fit together. However, if we look at Gustavo de Maeztu’s painting, colour and matter become essential. The expressiveness of the chromatism, together with the rotundity of the forms, bring the two into dialogue.

Murano glass is a material obtained by fusing silica, soda and dyes, subjected to extremely high temperatures, a fact that resembles the work of Vulcan, in the words of Paul Jenkins. A dangerous and laborious alchemy, the end result of which is fragile, subtle and colourful.

The way of working Murano blown glass has remained almost as it has been since the Renaissance, using decorative techniques and semi-secret workmanship. It has been carried out with strong family ties and according to the ancient organisation of the work guided by a master.

Today, glass “in the Venetian manner” occupies a prominent place in the contemporary decorative arts and has become a form of artistic expression worldwide, driven by the revolution brought about by the “Studio glass” movement, the contemporary trend in glass art with the greatest impact. Experimentation, improvisation, sculptural forms and detachment from function have breathed new life into glass. In a process of renewal that feeds back on itself, the presence of foreign artists in Venice is constant and Murano masters show their skills and knowledge in schools and centres all over the world.

Artists from Japan, such as Tsuchida Yasuhiko; from the United States, Kait Rhoads; from Australia, such as Clare Belfrage and Jenni Kemarre Martiniello; or from Spain, such as Rafa Abdón, who have worked in close collaboration with Venetian masters, are part of this trend.

Murano glass is the result of a tradition of craftsmanship enriched by the mystery of the unknown. Murano pieces reflect the desire to admire objects of great beauty and mystery, coloured by the human desire for perfection.

Admission to this exhibition is free and it can be visited during its opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday, from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm and from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm; Sundays and public holidays, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm.