Serenissima: Venice art exhibition and behind the scenes with Jeff Robb

Jessica Zufferli, courtesy of Cris Contini Contemporary

The hotel has once again partnered with renowned London gallery Cris Contini Contemporary to present Serenissima, a striking new exhibition by British artist Jeff Robb. Open to guests and the public, this immersive experience transforms the hotel's social spaces into a sensory art journey that showcases contemporary art beyond traditional gallery walls.

From the Royal College of Art to Venetian Dreams

After graduating from the Royal College of Art, you went on to pioneer techniques in lenticular photography - what’s one surprising influence that people might not expect?

"When I was at the RCA, I went to see a James Turrell show at the Hayward Gallery. It was his first solo exhibition in the UK. He's an American artist who works with light and space – his art doesn't look like anything traditional, but it makes you feel things. That show totally changed how I saw art. It made me realise that art isn't just something to look at – it can change how you experience the world, just by playing with light and space."

This revelation would later influence how the Jeff Robb’s lenticular pieces create shifting images that move with the viewer, drawing guests into a world where beauty is fluid and ever-changing.

The Art of Finding Inspiration

Can you tell us about a time when inspiration struck you in an unexpected place?

"Honestly? In the bath. Always. I even installed a big, deep one just for thinking. I sit there with a strong coffee and ideas just start flowing."

This intimate glimpse into the creative process reveals something important about contemporary art – it's not about grand gestures or dramatic moments. Real inspiration often comes from quiet reflection and making space for ideas to develop naturally.

Breaking Down Barriers Between Art and Audience

What's a common misunderstanding people have about contemporary art and how does your work respond to that?

"A lot of people think art is just about money – there's even a film called The Price of Everything that explores that idea. But for me, real art is about connection, not price tags. I want people to feel something when they see my work, like it speaks to them in a way words can't."

This philosophy shapes how Jeff's work is integrated into the hotel spaces. Instead of intimidating gallery walls, guests can encounter the artist's creations in relaxed settings where they can truly connect with the pieces.

Venice as an Artistic Inspiration

Your project Serenissima feels dreamy and poetic – what inspired it?

"I want all my work to feel a bit like a dream. Venice was the perfect place for this: it's mysterious, beautiful, and full of feeling. It's a city that feels like it's floating between reality and imagination, and that's exactly the mood I wanted to capture."

Serenissima offers a dreamlike voyage through femininity, nature and perception, perfectly capturing Venice's timeless essence through Jeff's poetic lens. The exhibition invites visitors to look beyond the surface, creating a dialogue between art and architecture.

Curating the Guest Experience

The artworks are placed in different spots around Avani Rio Novo Venice – how did you decide where each should be placed?

"Each piece has its own vibe, so I placed them where they could make the most impact. The Affinity sculpture sits in the garden, so it's the first thing people see, like a little hint that there's something magical inside. Inside the hotel, the artwork in the dining area includes lemons and grapes, tying into food and shared experiences. Then as you move through the space, the images take you on a kind of journey, ending near where you started, like a full circle."

Throughout the hotel's shared areas, guests encounter digitally sculpted tulips from the Rorschach Flower series that shimmer and shift in the passageway, revealing hidden figures and surreal forms. Feminine silhouettes drift through the 8 Millimetri Cicchetti and Wine restaurant and meeting spaces, suspended in time and echoing the romance of Venice.

When contemporary art and hospitality combine thoughtfully, they create something greater than the sum of their parts. At Avani Rio Novo Venice, art isn't just decoration but an invitation to see Venice, and the world, from unexpected angles. Located in Venice's lively Dorsoduro district, the hotel continues to blend modern style with local charm, again, turning hotel spaces into an evolving canvas where guests experience creativity, connection and cultural discovery at every turn.