Modern times

The third chapter of the exhibition cycle on Murano glass at the Venice Biennale, presented by Le Stanze del Vetro, explores a decade of extraordinary creativity: 1948–1958, a pivotal period for the rebirth of Venetian glass after World War II. Curated by Marino Barovier, the show gathers over 180 works:transparent blown pieces, heavy sommerso glass, richly colored designs inspired by Nordic rigor or soft, irregular forms, as well as sculptural solid‑glass creations. Historic glass furnaces such as Venini, Barovier & Toso, Seguso Vetri d’Arte, Aureliano Toso, Fratelli Toso, AVEM and the engraving workshop S.A.L.I.R. played a central role, alongside newer firms like Gino Cenedese and masters such as Barbini and Archimede Seguso. Artists including Ezio Rizzetto, Anzolo Fuga and especially Vinicio Vianello embraced glass as an expressive medium. Vianello’s research into asymmetry, spatial themes and his idea of the “variable form” marked a key moment, earning him major design awards in 1957.

Featured image: Vinicio Vianello, Esplosione nucleare, 1952 ca., Collezione Toni Follina – Iola De Monte