Gucci’s latest exhibition, Visions, takes the brand back to its roots in Florence, Italy. This decision is not surprising considering that Florence is where Gucci’s headquarters are located and where the brand was born. However, the exhibition goes beyond Gucci’s birth and draws inspiration from an even more ancient past – the Renaissance.
The Renaissance was a period in history that was characterized by innovation and a revival of art, architecture, and culture. It originated in Florence and drew inspiration from the Greco-Roman era that preceded it. This connection to the Renaissance suggests that Gucci is hinting at its own upcoming rebirth as a true phoenix of luxury.
The choice of the exhibition’s name, Visions, further supports this idea. The plural form of the name suggests that Gucci has a more ambitious vision for its future. It is not just about the present, but about expanding and innovating beyond traditional boundaries.
Upon entering the exhibition, visitors are greeted by mannequins dressed in iconic Gucci pieces, presented two by two on their respective platforms. The doubling effect is further enhanced by mirrors placed irregularly, which create a multiplication of mannequins and turn some of the dresses into holograms, adding a futuristic dimension.
As visitors progress through the exhibition, they are immersed in the Nova Geek aesthetic pioneered by Alessandro Michele, Gucci’s creative director. The exhibition showcases Gucci suitcases, which are displayed as if levitating in zero gravity, surrounded by neon lights. This juxtaposition of the brand’s past and future creates a sense of collision and transformation.
The exhibition continues to dazzle with kaleidoscopic effects created through multiplication and re-multiplication of forms. Flowers are multiplied through a mirrored pyramid, and the iconic horsebit symbol forms a pixel mosaic. The “Bag Gallery” resembles a library where leather goods replace books, and shelves are infinitely multiplied through an infinity mirror box design.
One room in the exhibition stands out with an entrance framed by marble and bearing the golden inscription in Gucci’s original language: Biblioteca. This room, similar to a control room, showcases 8 screens surrounded by neon lights, giving it a futuristic aesthetic. It raises the question of whether these screens hold the future of the brand.
The exhibition takes a nod to the Renaissance by connecting it to the concept of libraries. The first libraries were created during the Renaissance, and their ancient books were studied by artists of the time, leading to a new artistic era. The connection to the Renaissance is further emphasized by the frieze along one of the walls, which traces the key moments of Gucci embodied by its Creative Directors.
The exhibition acts as a prelude to a major turning point for Gucci. In early January 2023, Sabato de Sarno took over as the new head of Gucci, replacing Alessandro Michele. This shift in leadership is reminiscent of previous exhibitions that preceded a significant change for the brand, such as the Gucci Garden Archetypes exhibition that announced a show in LA led by Alessandro Michele.
Visions disrupts the traditional exhibition format by showcasing not only the past and present but also the future. It raises the question of whether Gucci is preparing for a Renaissance of its own. The exhibition invites us to reflect on the importance of looking back in order to move forward, symbolized by the term “Sankofa.”
Useful links:
1. Gucci Official Website
2. Visit Florence Website
