Sam Youkilis Takes Over Palazzo Grassi Instagram for Icônes Exhibition

Palazzo Grassi – Punta della Dogana has launched a new social media initiative inviting photographer, videomaker, and documentarian Sam Youkilis to offer an original perspective on the ongoing exhibition Icônes at Punta della Dogana. Running until July 5, 2023, the project titled samyoukilis takes over #Icônes features Youkilis taking over the institution's Instagram channel to explore the exhibition of emblematic works from the Pinault Collection, in dialogue with major artists like Rudolf Stingel and On Kawara, and their connections to Venice. Youkilis draws unexpected parallels between selected artworks and the lagoon city, such as linking Danh Vo's velvet piece Christmas (Rome) (2012, 2013) to laundry hanging from Venetian windows, or Kimsooja's light and mirror installation in the Torrino to the waters of the lagoon. Born and raised in New York, Youkilis began photography in high school and now has over 450,000 Instagram followers. His practice focuses on documenting places and communities, revealing beauty through details and local customs. This takeover is part of Palazzo Grassi – Punta della Dogana's broader digital community engagement, which includes content about exhibitions, artists, Teatrino guests, #OpenLab workshops, and behind-the-scenes museum operations.