Breast behaviour: Cindy Sherman’s Untitled #205, from 1989’s History Portraits
© Cindy Sherman
A rather revealing exhibition opens in Venice this month at the APC Palazzo Franchetti (18 April-24 November), which may cause some visitors to, er, titter. The show Breasts “celebrates the iconography and symbolism of breasts”, presenting them in a variety of media and across the centuries. The curator, Carolina Pasti, explores themes such as motherhood, body image and illness, investigating how breasts act as a “catalyst to discuss socio-political realities and express collective identities”, according to a statement. Artists featured in the exhibition include Cindy Sherman, Robert Mapplethorpe, Marcel Duchamp and Laure Prouvost. There is nonetheless a serious point as the show aims to promote awareness of breast cancer, with proceeds from the sale of the Breasts book to be donated to breast cancer charities. All the more reason to nip along with your best bosom buddy.