Carsten Höller's 'Doubt Staircase' Installed at Palazzo Diedo in Venice
Carsten Höller designed the 'Doubt Staircase' (Scala del Dubbio) for Palazzo Diedo in Venice, which was inaugurated by Nicolas Berggruen during the 60th Venice Biennale. The staircase, revealed on June 22, 2024, at Art Night Venezia 2024, features a spiral design that links the building's noble floors, incorporating metal balustrades, Vicenza stone, and marmorino, all with a 5-degree tilt to create a sense of ambiguity. This installation addresses the historical void left by the incomplete original staircase following architect Andrea Tirali's passing. Renovations by Silvio Fassi, Maddalena Gallamini, and Sebastiano Roveroni included Höller's contribution. The staircase is part of the 'Janus' exhibition, curated by Mario Codognato and Adriana Rispoli, showcasing works from various artists. Palazzo Diedo's artistic program commenced in 2022 with Sterling Ruby's 'HEX.'
Key facts
- Carsten Höller created 'Doubt Staircase' (Scala del Dubbio) for Palazzo Diedo in Venice.
- The staircase connects the noble floors of the 18th-century building in Cannaregio.
- It was inaugurated on June 22, 2024, during Art Night Venezia 2024.
- The staircase has a 5-degree tilt to provoke ambiguity and uncertainty.
- Palazzo Diedo's original staircase was left unfinished in the 18th century after the death of its owner and architect Andrea Tirali.
- The renovation was led by architects Silvio Fassi, Maddalena Gallamini, and Sebastiano Roveroni.
- The work is part of the group exhibition 'Janus' curated by Mario Codognato and Adriana Rispoli.
- Other artists in 'Janus' include Urs Fischer, Piero Golia, Ibrahim Mahama, Mariko Mori, Sterling Ruby, Jim Shaw, Hiroshi Sugimoto, Aya Takano, Lee Ufan, and Liu Wei.
- Palazzo Diedo was inaugurated as a cultural center by Nicolas Berggruen during the 60th Venice Biennale.
- The palace's artistic program began in 2022 with a residency by Sterling Ruby.
Entities
Artists
- Carsten Höller
- Urs Fischer
- Piero Golia
- Ibrahim Mahama
- Mariko Mori
- Sterling Ruby
- Jim Shaw
- Hiroshi Sugimoto
- Aya Takano
- Lee Ufan
- Liu Wei
- Andrea Tirali
Institutions
- Palazzo Diedo
- Berggruen Institute
- Berggruen Arts & Culture
- Art Night Venezia
- Silvio Fassi
- Maddalena Gallamini
- Sebastiano Roveroni
Locations
- Venice
- Italy
- Cannaregio
- Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo