Mikhail Baryshnikov: Looking for the Dance, Venice

Mikhail Baryshnikov, renowned for his dancing and theatrical artistry, is also an accomplished dance photographer. His photographs capture the essence of dance through vibrant colors and abstract figures, conveying a palpable sense of movement and emotion.

After the success of his exhibition "Dance This Way," which premiered in Venice in 2013, Baryshnikov returns to the city with a new collection titled "Looking for the Dance." This series includes dance images from his travels to Argentina and India, along with his earlier works "Dance This Way" and "Dominican Moves." The collection delves into the intimate essence of dance in its purest and most abstract form.

Baryshnikov's artistic vision focuses on the colors, movements, and emotions evoked by dance. The sinuous Odissi dancers from Nrityagram village in India exude harmony and spirituality, while the passionate rhythms of tango in Buenos Aires burst forth from gritty Milonga halls. Through blurry contours and frenzied figures, Baryshnikov metaphorically embodies the very essence of movement, infusing energy and passion into every frame.

Inspired by renowned photographers Ilse Bing, Alexey Brodovitch, and Irving Penn, Baryshnikov's technical and artistic skills shine through. He proves that the fluidity and dynamism of dance can be crystallized and preserved in still images, showcasing the timeless beauty of this captivating art form.