In a powerful convergence of fashion, art, and cultural legacy, Bottega Veneta announces its exclusive sponsorship of Lorna Simpson: Third Person, opening on March 29, 2026, at the iconic Punta della Dogana in Venice.
Curated by Emma Lavigne, General Director and Chief Curator of the Pinault Collection, the exhibition marks the most comprehensive presentation of Lorna Simpson’s work in Europe in over a decade.
A Defining Voice in Contemporary Art
Spanning more than 20 years of artistic evolution, the exhibition brings together nearly 50 works across mediums — from painting and collage to sculpture, installation, and film. Among the highlights are Simpson’s most iconic series, including Ice, Special Characters, and Earth and Sky.
Emerging in the early 1990s as a pioneering voice in conceptual photography, Simpson has continually interrogated the construction of images and narratives. Her transition into painting in the mid-2010s expanded these investigations, allowing for a deeper exploration of identity, memory, and the fluidity of meaning.
Through layered compositions and evocative imagery, her work challenges viewers to reconsider how representation shapes perception — a theme that resonates profoundly in today’s visually saturated world.
Venice as a Cultural Canvas
This Venetian iteration introduces new works created specifically for the space, alongside a monumental 40-part collage installation and paintings originally developed for the Venice Biennale 2015, curated by Okwui Enwezor.
Bottega Veneta’s Cultural Commitment
Bottega Veneta’s involvement underscores its enduring connection to Venice — the city where the house was founded — and its broader commitment to fostering artistic innovation and craftsmanship.
This partnership further strengthens its ongoing collaboration with the Pinault Collection, following support for major exhibitions such as Thomas Schütte: Genealogies (2025), Pierre Huyghe: Liminal (2024), and Dancing Studies (2022), inspired by Bruce Nauman.
Beyond this exhibition, the house continues to embed itself within Venice’s cultural fabric. Its Summer 2026 campaign, captured by Juergen Teller, was shot across the city, while the Bottega Veneta Venice Residence hosts a curated calendar of exclusive cultural events.
Expanding the Dialogue of Contemporary Art
Looking ahead, Bottega Veneta will also support If All Time Is Eternally Present, a video art exhibition featuring works by Tai Shani, Kandis Williams, Meriem Bennani, and Orian Barki. Presented by the Pier Luigi Nervi Foundation at Campo Manin, the exhibition forms part of the official collateral events of the Venice Biennale.
Simultaneously, the brand’s Bottega for Bottegas initiative continues to spotlight regional craftsmanship, featuring artisans such as Paolo Olbi, Laguna~B, and Bruno Amadi.
A Dialogue Between Fashion and Art
With Lorna Simpson: Third Person, Bottega Veneta reinforces its role not merely as a fashion house, but as a custodian of culture — one that bridges disciplines and fosters meaningful artistic dialogue.
In Simpson’s work, the act of looking becomes an act of reflection. And in Venice — a city shaped by history, art, and imagination — that reflection finds its most poetic setting.
