Palazzo Strozzi Director Arturo Galansino on Ai Weiwei and Bill Viola Shows

Arturo Galansino has been at the helm of Palazzo Strozzi in Florence for two years, steering its direction towards contemporary art. Following James Bradburne's tenure, he has organized significant retrospectives, such as Ai Weiwei's 'Libero,' which drew 150,000 attendees and ignited discussions. During this exhibition, migrants staged a protest at the venue against a fire in Sesto Fiorentino, marking a historic first for a contemporary art space. Ai Weiwei voiced his support for the demonstrators. Next on the agenda is Bill Viola's 'Electronic Renaissance,' showcasing 27 works, making it the largest retrospective of Viola's career, including a new piece from his Saint Paul installations. This exhibition will be held at Palazzo Strozzi and various religious sites in Florence, connecting with Renaissance art. Galansino is optimistic about Florence's embrace of contemporary art.