De Bruyckere’s work is currently featured prominently at the exhibition OPEN, a new exhibition space for art and science, which opened at Palazzo Buontalenti in May as part of the Institute’s 50th anniversary celebrations. During the event, the artist discussed some of the experiences, images and ideas that have shaped her practice, from violence, fear and suffering to beauty, spirituality and transformation.
The conversation was moderated by Fabrizio Tassinari, Executive Director of the Florence School of Transnational Governance (STG), who in his opening remarks reflected on what art can bring to a university and a school of public policy: “Having that space, and having that exhibition, has given us something that books, at least academic books, policy reports or papers, don’t really manage to do: a case for contemplation, for imagination.”
Reflecting on the many sources that feed into her work, De Bruyckere explained how films, music, literature, art history and contemporary events come together in her creative process: “There were always so many voices in my head that you have to collect, and at the end, there was a series of works coming out.”
She also spoke about the way her works can create a direct connection with audiences. Her Archangels, for instance, emerged partly from reflections on vulnerability and isolation during the pandemic, while drawing on religious imagery and experiences across different cultures. De Bruyckere described how viewers’ emotional responses to the art pieces can become part of their meaning, opening space for personal experiences and dialogue.
The conversation also turned to her sculptures of horses, including the two large works displayed at Palazzo Buontalenti as part of the OPEN exhibition. De Bruyckere described these works as demanding encounters for viewers, contrasting their physical presence and brutality with the different atmosphere created by Archangels, the angel sculpture displayed in another room of the exhibition. She emphasised the importance of bringing challenging artistic language into a university environment and giving students the opportunity to encounter forms of expression that may initially feel unfamiliar: “The students, maybe they are not used to this type of language, but they have to open themselves to that. They have to study. I have to learn another language.”
Both the horse sculptures and Archangels can be seen in the OPEN exhibition at Palazzo Buontalenti, offering visitors an opportunity to encounter the works discussed in their exhibition setting.
The event also featured a Q&A with the audience, which explored the relationship between the body and memory, the role of beauty in representing pain and suffering, and the potential for art to contribute to political and civic reflection. De Bruyckere also discussed the process behind her sculptures, explaining how her studio works with different teams and materials, from wax and textiles to welding and the internal structures needed to support the finished pieces. Her practice combines a highly collaborative production process with her close involvement in shaping and assembling each work.
The conversation was followed by a screening of Why We Fight, directed by Alain Platel and Mirjam Devriendt. Inspired by De Bruyckere’s artistic research and sculptures, the documentary explores the roots of human conflict, fear and hope, bringing together personal stories and reflections on vulnerability and resilience.
OPEN: art and research at Palazzo Buontalenti
The event took place in the context of OPEN, the new exhibition space for art and science, hosted at Palazzo Buontalenti. The exhibition brings contemporary art into dialogue with academic research while opening the newly restored spaces of the historic building to the public.
Curated by Sergio Risaliti and Stefania Rispoli and developed in dialogue with the research project Measuring the Invisible Economy by historian and EUI alumna Johanna Gautier-Morin, OPEN explores economic life through its productive, reproductive and destructive dimensions. It brings together works by international artists including Agnieszka Polska, Berlinde De Bruyckere, Eglė Budvytytė, Elena Mazzi, Leone Contini and Riccardo Previdi, inviting visitors to reflect on processes and forms of value that often remain invisible.
After its inaugural opening in May and regular public openings during the summer, OPEN continues to welcome visitors until 12 October 2026. The exhibition is open on Monday and Saturday afternoons, with guided tours led by MUS.E art historians.
The exhibition will also have a special public opening on Sunday, 27 September, from 15:00 to 19:00, organised in partnership with Corri la Vita. EUI volunteers will welcome visitors throughout the afternoon, while MUS.E art historians will lead guided tours of the exhibition. Admission is free.