ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Barry X Ball's 'The Shape of Time' at San Giorgio Maggiore, Venice

exhibition · 2026-05-15

Barry X Ball's exhibition 'The Shape of Time' opened at the Basilica of San Giorgio Maggiore in Venice, a church and monastery on an island of the same name. The show, organized by the non-profit branch of the Benedictine community, features 23 sculptures, many shown for the first time, including 'Pope Saint John Paul II' made of solid silver and 18ct gold, and 'Pietà' in Iranian onyx referencing Michelangelo. Ball uses 3D scanning, digital printing, and hand-carving to blend classical forms with contemporary technology. The exhibition runs until November 22, 2026.

Key facts

  • Barry X Ball's 'The Shape of Time' is at Basilica of San Giorgio Maggiore, Venice.
  • The exhibition includes 23 sculptures, many debuting.
  • 'Pope Saint John Paul II' is made of solid silver and 18ct gold, took 12 years.
  • 'Pietà' is cast in Iranian onyx, based on Michelangelo's work.
  • Ball uses 3D scanning, digital printing, and hand-carving.
  • The show is organized by the Benedictine community's non-profit branch.
  • The basilica was designed by Andrea Palladio.
  • Exhibition runs until 22 November 2026.

Entities

Artists

  • Barry X Ball
  • Andrea Palladio
  • Michelangelo
  • Hannah Silver
  • Bob Nickas
  • Medardo Rosso
  • Marco d'Agrate

Institutions

  • Basilica of San Giorgio Maggiore
  • Benedictine community
  • Wallpaper*
  • Basilica di San Giorgio Maggiore
  • Venice Art Biennale
  • UNESCO

Locations

  • Venice
  • Italy
  • New York
  • Washington, DC
  • United States
  • Britain
  • Venice Lagoon
  • Basilica di San Giorgio Maggiore

Sources