Contradictions in Art and Social Transformation: Glass Week in Venice

During The Venice Glass Week, which runs from September 14 to 22, 2024, artists Claudia Virginia Vitari and Dylan Katz examined the conflicting nature of art's ability to inspire change versus its dependence on capitalism. Vitari, originally from Turin and now based in Berlin, has worked with marginalized communities, including prisoners in Turin ("Percorsogalera," 2008–2009) and those with mental health issues in Barcelona ("Le Città Invisibili," 2012–2013). Her ongoing project, "Identità Interstiziali," focuses on migration in Europe. Meanwhile, Katz, an American artist residing in Finland, produces glass sculptures that resemble melting icebergs to address climate change and was awarded a Special Mention by the Premio Fondazione di Venezia jury, emphasizing the need to rethink climate conversations through beauty while reducing energy consumption in his work.