In 2017, the renowned Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone curated an impressive retrospective titled "I ♥ John Giorno" to honor the life and work of his partner, the poet, performer, and activist John Giorno.
However, this was not the first time the exhibition had been presented. The project debuted in 2015 in New York City as a sprawling, multi-venue celebration of Giorno's 80th birthday. That initial iteration, also curated by Rondinone, brought together diverse elements of Giorno's life and career, weaving a narrative of his profound contributions to poetry, performance, and visual art.
With over thirty years of experience creating sculptures, paintings, drawings, and multimedia installations, Rondinone expanded on the original concept for the 2017 edition at the Palais de Tokyo in Paris, adapting the show to a new context and audience.
Both versions of the exhibition presented a multifaceted portrait of Giorno, meticulously crafted using a thoughtful combination of historical documents, artistic materials, and shared experiences that defined the poet's extensive and diverse career.
This exhibition was not just a tribute to Giorno and his artistic journey; it was also a profound declaration of love and a celebration of his life, work, and legacy.
Through a mosaic of memories, art, and poetry, viewers were invited to delve into Giorno's creative universe from multiple perspectives.
More than a retrospective, it stood as a testament to Giorno's significant influence on generations of artists and highlighted his ability to merge poetry, performance, and contemporary art.
John Giorno was a key figure who revolutionized poetry by breaking away from traditional written forms and exploring new media and platforms. From his groundbreaking Dial-A-Poem project to his collaborations with artists such as Andy Warhol, William Burroughs, and Patti Smith, Giorno pushed the boundaries of poetry, integrating it with performance, visual arts, and technology.
Giorno pushed the boundaries of poetry, integrating it with performance, visual arts, and technology.
In I ♥ John Giorno, Rondinone showcased these many facets through immersive installations, audio recordings, historical documents, and visual works that highlighted the pioneering spirit of Giorno and his work: accessible, provocative, and deeply human. The exhibition was organized into 18 chapters, allowing visitors to explore different stages of Giorno's life and career: from his early days as an emerging poet in 1960s New York, through his activism during the AIDS crisis, to his later spiritual transformation influenced by Tibetan Buddhism.
In each of these stages, Rondinone wove his personal narrative with Giorno's, creating a deeply emotional atmosphere that transcended a simple exhibition.
One of the most notable sections was dedicated to Dial-A-Poem, a visionary project launched by Giorno in 1968. Here, Rondinone created an interactive space where visitors could listen to original recordings of poems by Giorno and his contemporaries, reviving a historic moment in conceptual art and connecting modern audiences with the vibrant cultural scene of New York in which Giorno thrived.
The show also included contributions from prominent figures such as Andy Warhol, Robert Rauschenberg, and Brion Gysin, underscoring Giorno's role as a key figure and connector within the art world of his time. Additionally, it incorporated visual works and records that emphasized his enduring influence on contemporary culture.
This exhibition was not merely a retrospective; it became an act of love and a multifaceted experience that celebrated Giorno's individuality, creativity, and resilience while posing questions about memory, legacy, and the connection between love and art.