Smithsonian Magazine · People & society

Exhibition Explores 'Power of the Fragment' in Damaged Art

An exhibition titled "Broken: The Power of the Fragment" showcases over 80 incomplete artworks spanning 4,500 years, examining the beauty and historical context of damaged pieces.

The show, co-curated by the National Gallery of Art, examines how art becomes fragmented and the unique aesthetic qualities that emerge from these incomplete states.

Featured artifacts include a 14th-century B.C.E. limestone fragment of Egyptian pharaoh Akhenaten's nose and lips, highlighting intricate carving details.

The exhibition explores historical reasons for art destruction, such as political and religious upheaval, war, colonialism, and natural disasters.

Damage from looting, warfare, and environmental factors are also presented, including pieces affected by the sea and floods.

The show concludes by celebrating the cultural significance of "missing" pieces, where fragmentation is integral to a sculpture's character.

The exhibition is a collaboration between the Palazzo Strozzi and the National Gallery of Art. It is on display in Florence until January 24, 2027, before traveling to Washington, D.C.

AI-samenvatting op basis van de bron.