Minimal Legends
LAWRENCE VAN HAGEN’S NEW EXHIBITION IN VENICE
In his second appearance in The Lodha Times, curator Lawrence Van Hagen invites readers into one of Venice’s most compelling exhibitions of the season, a striking exploration of Minimalism staged within the grand interiors of the De Cotiis Foundation.
Conceived as a collaboration between Lawrence Van Hagen, Claudia Rose De Cotiis and the Vincenzo De Cotiis Foundation, the exhibition brings together works by artists including Donald Judd, Sol LeWitt and Dan Flavin within one of Venice’s most atmospheric historic palazzi. Set against ornate frescoes, gilded detailing and richly layered interiors, the presentation creates a dialogue between contemporary restraint and centuries-old opulence that feels both unexpected and deeply harmonious.
As Van Hagen explains: “My goal was to present Minimalism within a unique and unexpected setting, creating a contrast between the restraint of minimalist works and the opulence of the palazzo. Through this juxtaposition, both the artworks and the architecture are highlighted and enhanced.”
The exhibition also reflects the distinct creative vision of Vincenzo De Cotiis, the internationally renowned Italian architect and artist, celebrated for his sculptural interiors, rich materiality and ability to balance historical references with contemporary expression. His work often explores the relationship between craftsmanship, imperfection and timelessness, making the De Cotiis Foundation a particularly fitting setting for a reappraisal of Minimalist art.
“Van Hagen’s carefully curated exhibition also reflects a wider resurgence of interest in experiential art, where exhibitions feel as much about place and emotion as the works themselves.”
For travellers beginning their summer journeys across Europe, Venice remains one of the most rewarding cultural stopovers imaginable. Before continuing onwards to the beaches of Greece, the glamour of the French Riviera or the rolling landscapes of Tuscany, the city offers a chance to pause and immerse oneself in extraordinary art, architecture and atmosphere.
Van Hagen’s carefully curated exhibition also reflects a wider resurgence of interest in experiential art, where exhibitions feel as much about place and emotion as the works themselves. Rather than the neutrality of a traditional gallery, the Venetian palazzo becomes an active participant in the experience, amplifying the stillness and precision of Minimalist art through dramatic historical contrast.
As European summer itineraries become increasingly centred around culture, gastronomy and design, Venice continues to prove why it remains an enduring destination for discerning travellers. And for The Lodha Times readers seeking inspiration for a sophisticated summer escape, Minimal Legends offers the perfect reason to linger in the Floating City just a little longer.
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Across a new collection of residences at Holland Park Gate, Studio Lodha explores the relationship between architecture, art and atmosphere, creating interiors that feel individually distinct yet united by a shared design language. At Holland Park Gate, Studio Lodha’s latest collection of residences has been conceived less as a series of designed interiors and more as a carefully curated body of work. While each home possesses its own atmosphere, palette and personality, together they form a cohesive design story shaped by craftsmanship, collectible design and an intuitive understanding of how people want to live today. “There was never a desire for the residences to feel uniform,” says Blandine de Navacelle, Creative Director at Studio Lodha. “We wanted each one to have its own emotional atmosphere while still belonging to the same design family.”