A must-see exhibition in Venice: Lorna Simpson at Punta della Dogana
During a stay in Venice, alongside the great classics, there is always room for a contemporary discovery.
Among the experiences we recommend to our guests, the exhibition “Lorna Simpson. Third Person” at Punta della Dogana is one of the most compelling of the season—an intense visual journey set within one of the city’s most fascinating exhibition spaces.
During a stay in Venice, alongside the great classics, there is always room for a contemporary discovery.
Among the experiences we recommend to our guests, the exhibition “Lorna Simpson. Third Person” at Punta della Dogana is one of the most compelling of the season—an intense visual journey set within one of the city’s most fascinating exhibition spaces.
Punta della Dogana is one of those places that, on its own, is worth the visit. Its spacious brick interiors, natural light, and essential architecture create a quiet, suspended atmosphere, perfectly suited to contemporary art. It offers a different experience from the more crowded museums in the city center: here, you move slowly, without haste, allowing your gaze to adjust to both the space and the artworks.
The exhibition unfolds across a sequence of diverse environments, alternating between expansive open halls and more intimate rooms. The artworks engage in dialogue with the architecture, creating an experience that is never linear but shaped by pauses, returns, and shifting perspectives. Each space has its own rhythm, inviting visitors to linger longer than expected.
Nature's Symphony
Faces of Humanity
Sands of Time
Beyond Boundaries
Lorna Simpson’s works are striking for their visual power. Human figures—often set within suspended or imagined contexts—emerge from layered, evocative landscapes. The colors are deep and textural, at times vibrant, creating images that linger long after the visit. Alongside the paintings, several photographic series introduce another level of interpretation, built on subtle variations and sequences that reshape the perception of the figure.
It is not necessary to “understand” everything: this is an exhibition that works primarily on a visual and emotional level. You enter, observe, retrace your steps, and begin to notice details that initially went unseen.
Alongside the large canvases, smaller and more detailed works—drawings, studies, and compositions—offer insight into the artist’s creative process. These more intimate spaces provide moments of pause and focus, creating a natural balance within the exhibition.
Other environments play with atmosphere: lower lighting, expansive spaces, and isolated works. The result is an almost cinematic experience, where each room creates a distinct mood without ever feeling repetitive.
This exhibition is ideal for those who wish to complement the iconic side of Venice with a more contemporary and intimate experience. It can easily be included in an afternoon itinerary, perhaps combined with a walk through the Dorsoduro district, away from the busiest routes.
Lorna Simpson. Third Person
📍 Punta della Dogana, Venice
📅 March 29 – November 22, 2026
