Minneapolis Review

During the early Renaissance, artists were influenced by ancient Rome, creating works marked by order and balance. However, as the movement progressed, art began to evolve in unexpected ways. The discovery of the Laocoön sculpture in 1506 played a significant role in this transformation, inspiring artists to move beyond symmetry and realism and embrace experimentation.

Tom Rassieur, John E. Andrus III Curator of Prints and Drawings at Mia, explained the focus of a new exhibition: “This exhibition takes us to the wonderfully weird world of artists freed from narrow ideas of Renaissance propriety. It’s a reminder that the Renaissance wasn’t just a rebirth of old ideas—it was also a hotbed of innovation, imagination, and strangeness.”

The exhibition titled “The Weirdening of the Renaissance” showcases Italian and Northern engravings, woodcuts, and etchings from Mia’s collection. These pieces illustrate how artists manipulated perspective and distorted figures to create an otherworldly visual language that remains captivating today.

The exhibition will be open from June 14 to November 30, 2025, at Gallery 344 in Mia. Admission is free.

For further details on this exhibit or others at Mia, visit www.artsmia.org.

The Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) houses over 100,000 artworks spanning 5,000 years. Known for its exceptional exhibitions and extensive collections from around the world—ranging from ancient times to contemporary periods—Mia connects history with modernity while fostering global discussions.

General admission is always free at Mia; however, some special exhibitions may require a small fee. For more information about visiting or upcoming events at Mia call +1 612 870 3000 or check their website www.artsmia.org.