The extensive exhibition features a wide selection of artworks from internationally-renowned and emerging artists, photographers, and sculptors, as well as showcases projects by worldwide academic institutions. For 2022, the ECC is proud to announce that a total of 192 participants have joined this edition to present their works in the historical venues of Palazzo Bembo, Palazzo Mora and Marinaressa Gardens, located in the heart of the Venetian city. With a strong presence of female participants and an overall contribution of 51 countries, the ECC is presenting an edition unlike any other which this year revolves around the idea of reflections.

After a careful study of the projects submitted, the ECC selected the concept of reflections as the guiding principle of the exhibition. The theme is presented with a double reading and value: physically, as a phenomenon of the visible; and mentally, as a thought resulting from a meditative action.

In a present that demands more responsible and conscious actions, both individually and collectively, it is essential to be able to imagine a sustainable future. It is important to reflect by expressing the ideas, feelings, and experiences one has towards the outside world and in response to a community of individuals, reflecting on others’ reflections, ultimately creating a virtuous circle.

The exhibitions at the European Cultural Centre aim to respond to the changing contexts and, as such, Personal Structures emerges in line with current conversations. The disruption of individuality and community experienced today and in these last two years has led to a revalorization of the self, art, the environment and our surroundings. Through different means and languages, artists express their thoughts and emotions on these aspects, presenting artworks touching upon spirituality and intimacy, feminism and equality, the environment and sustainability, the common and private spaces, and many more.

Artists and intellectuals have always looked at society and the events surrounding them, suggesting interpretations or proposing different points of view. In ‘Personal Structures - Reflections’, the artists reflect through their works of art, different themes and current issues, such as climate change, environmental and social sustainability, ethnic and gender equality. Hence, the exhibition imprints and suggests realistic and utopian art-driven alternatives, where the audience has the opportunity to relate with.

– Sara Danieli, Head of Art, ECC Italy

The pieces are exhibited across three different venues, with each location offering a particular experience. Palazzo Mora takes advantage of its vast and white-cube rooms of different dimensions to dedicate each space to an artist, aiming to enhance the concept that lays beneath each project. Palazzo Bembo hosts inedite site-specific installations created by the artists especially for this occasion, allowing for an immersive experience within the palace. And the Marinaressa Gardens welcome installations and sculptures that tune into the natural environment, converting these beautiful public gardens into an open-air sculpture park.

As of April 23rd, visitors from all over the world have come to all the venues to enjoy and wander through the exhibition. With the opening days, the ECC Italy curatorial team met with many artists, with whom they had been in conversations with since 2019 online and finally got the chance to meet in person during an amazing and unique event.