“Miranda July: New Society” – A Groundbreaking Exhibition Opens at Fondazione Prada

This spring, Fondazione Prada's Osservatorio in Milan becomes the epicenter of contemporary art with the unveiling of "Miranda July: New Society" from March 7th to October 14th, 2024. Under the meticulous curation of Mia Locks, this landmark exhibition is not merely July's inaugural solo museum showcase but a profound narrative spanning three decades of her groundbreaking career. Why is this event a pivotal moment for art, film, and performance enthusiasts? The answer lies in the transformative power of July's artistry.

American artist, filmmaker, and writer Miranda July has been a formidable force in pushing the boundaries of art and performance since the early 1990s. Her oeuvre, renowned for its exploration of human connections and intimacy, defies conventional hierarchies and power structures through a distinctly feminist lens. 'Miranda July: New Society' offers an immersive overview of July's diverse career, showcasing her prowess across short films, performances, and installations.

Miranda July herself expresses the significance of this exhibition, stating, 'I’m so honored and excited to not only share my newest work at the Fondazione Prada, but that it will be contextualized by past work from the last three decades. That the museum is exhibiting my artworks at the Osservatorio and my films at Cinema Godard demonstrates a rare and special commitment to multiplicity.' This landmark exhibition is not merely July's inaugural solo museum showcase but a profound narrative spanning three decades of her groundbreaking career.

At the heart of the exhibition is July’s profound new work, 'F.A.M.I.L.Y. (Falling Apart Meanwhile I Love You)', a multi-channel video installation that emerges from a year-long Instagram collaboration with seven performers. This piece, serving as the exhibition's nucleus, uses July's yearlong engagement with these collaborators to bridge and contextualize three decades of her explorative journey in performance, film, and installation. This work invites visitors into an immersive exploration of July's expansive narrative, where personal connections and human intimacy traverse through innovative art forms.

The journey through July's career is both retrospective and revelatory, from her nascent performances in punk venues to seminal works like "Love Diamond," "The Swan Tool," and the participatory web project, "Learning to Love You More," which reimagines audience engagement and creative collaboration.

Enhancing the exhibition, Fondazione Prada's Cinema Godard will host the inaugural Italian screening of July’s complete filmography. This retrospective spans her feature films—"Me and You and Everyone We Know," "The Future," "Kajillionaire"—as well as a curated selection of short films and previously unreleased works. On March 9th, attendees will have the rare opportunity to delve into July's creative psyche during a masterclass, offering unparalleled insight into her artistic journey.

Miranda July: New Society' extends its influence beyond Milan, promising to enchant audiences at Prada Aoyama in Tokyo from May to August 2024. This forthcoming exhibition signifies July's profound impact on the global art scene, highlighting the boundless appeal and contemporary significance of her work. The global journey of 'New Society' underlines July's role as a pivotal figure in the art world, whose themes of connectivity and intimacy resonate universally.

In an illustrious addition to the exhibition, Fondazione Prada presents a novel entry in its Quaderni series: an illustrated publication that encapsulates an engaging dialogue between Miranda July and Cindy Sherman. Enhanced by Mia Locks' discerning essay, this conversation between two vanguards of contemporary art delves into their creative processes, providing an unparalleled insight into July's extensive body of work. This publication not only celebrates July's artistic achievements but also bridges the intellectual exchange between iconic figures in the art world.

"Miranda July: New Society" is more than an exhibition; it is a comprehensive exploration of one of the most influential voices in contemporary art. July’s seamless integration of film, performance, and installation crafts a narrative that challenges and redefines societal norms. Whether you are a dedicated admirer or newly acquainted with her work, this exhibition is poised to inspire, challenge, and captivate.

Prepare to immerse yourself in Miranda July’s visionary world, where art transcends conventional boundaries, inviting a reevaluation of our perspectives. This is a rare opportunity to experience the depth and breadth of July's exceptional career, all within the iconic confines of Fondazione Prada's Osservatorio. Don't miss your chance to witness the transformative power of art and storytelling.