Venice: In Praise of Franois Pinault

Pinault and the Dogana as it once was. Images courtesy Flickr under CC.

Other than the late Peggy Guggenheim, there is no other private collector or exhibitor of art who has had such a significant impact on the city of Venice as French billionaire businessman Franois Pinault. Pinault is responsible for the transformation of Palazzo Grassi and the Punta della Dogana, once the customs house, into fashionable centers of art for his vast collection and special exhibits or shows.The World Belongs to You at Palazzo Grassi, on now through December 31, draws on themes of contemporary history, from the breakdown of symbols, to the temptation of self-withdrawal and isolation, the attraction of violence and spirituality in a troubled and globalised world, says curator Caroline Bourgeois. The show coincides with In Praise of Doubt at the Punta della Dogana (on through December 31, 2012), an extension of the Palazzo Grassi show which explores just that - doubt, trouble, and identity in art.Both shows feature selections from Pinaults vast permanent collection, along with the works of many artists, including one of Pinaults personal favorites, American artist Jeff Koons.


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