Is beauty now a right-wing concept, accessible only to the ultra-rich?

In the heart of Venice, within the opulent Palazzo Pisani Moretta on the Grand Canal, the Fondazione Dries Van Noten stands as a testament to beauty and craftsmanship. The foundation, established by the renowned retired fashion designer, champions "craftsmanship, skill, and traditions." Its mission, as suggested by T-shirts worn by staff reading 'In such ugly times the only protest is beauty,' is to offer a counterpoint to the perceived "ugliness" of the modern world.

The Palazzo itself, a fifteenth-century structure enhanced with Venetian Gothic architecture, Tiepolo ceiling paintings, and gilded paneling, has a rich history of hosting the world's elite. Tsars, writers like Goethe, and figures such as Joséphine de Beauharnais have graced its halls. More recently, it served as the venue for the wedding of Lauren Sanchez and Jeff Bezos, underscoring its continued status as a location for the ultra-wealthy and famous.

Inside the Fondazione, Van Noten has curated an impressive collection that amplifies the palazzo's grandeur. The spaces are filled with contemporary masterpieces, including striking fashion pieces by Rei Kawakubo and Christian Lacroix, a gold-painted skull sculpture by Katsuyo Aoki, and intricate ceramics by artists like Kaori Kurihara and Takuro Kuwata. The exhibition also features a unique blue faux crystal by Isaac Monté and delicate feather sculptures by Kate MccGwire.

A centerpiece of the exhibition is an extraordinary chess set by Joseph Arzoumanov. Described as resembling a medieval altarpiece or an AI-driven time machine, the set is crafted from a combination of gold, silver, precious stones, mother of pearl, intricate embroidery, volcanic stone, wood marquetry, parchment, Murano glass, bronze, steel, and robotic components. This elaborate creation exemplifies the foundation's dedication to showcasing exceptional artistry and the enduring power of beauty.

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In such ugly times the only protest is beauty