The enchanting temporary exhibition “Selva” by Eva Jospin transforms Venice’s historic Museo Fortuny in Italy into an immersive exploration of nature, art, and human imagination. Jospin, a Parisian artist, is celebrated for her intricate and multidimensional works that draw from natural and architectural elements. Utilizing unconventional materials such as cardboard, wood, metal, and fabric, she crafts breathtaking scenes that blur the boundaries between reality and fantasy.

At the heart of the exhibition is a striking dialogue between Jospin’s artistic vision and the legacy of Mariano Fortuny, the renowned designer whose former residence now houses the museum. This creative interplay bridges themes of nature, artistic experimentation, and theatrical illusion, offering visitors a uniquely layered experience. Jospin’s works echo Fortuny’s fascination with perspective, proportions, and the emotional connections between art and its audience.

The centrepiece of the exhibition is the monumental installation “Galleria” (2021–2024). This arched passageway, constructed from cardboard, wood, and other materials, invites visitors into a forest-like environment filled with Renaissance and Baroque architectural references. Within this space, Jospin weaves together fragments of classical design, mystical landscapes, and everyday inspirations, creating a setting that feels both timeless and otherworldly. The details—ranging from trompe-l’œil rural paintings to intricately embroidered panels—evoke a Renaissance studiolo, providing a meditative environment for reflection and wonder.

Two sculptural pieces mark the entrances to the Galleria. The first is a life-sized forest composition rendered in earthy tones, its textured appearance mimicking nature’s raw beauty. The second, “Nymphées” (2022–2024), pays homage to Venice’s architectural heritage, particularly its 16th-century traditions. A central arched window flanked by smaller openings displays layered embroideries reminiscent of Fortuny’s own atelier displays, further emphasizing the connection between past and present.

Beyond the Galleria, the exhibition leads to “Carmontelle” (2023), an animated panorama inspired by Louis Carrogis de Carmontelle’s 18th-century theatrical landscapes. Jospin’s reinterpretation features pierced views activated by mechanical devices, conjuring a magical sense of movement and depth while paying tribute to Fortuny’s innovations in stage design.

Jospin’s forest installations offer more than visual splendour—they invite emotional and intellectual engagement. Visitors are drawn into a realm that oscillates between amazement, nostalgia, and introspection, evoking sensations as diverse as joy and disorientation. The exhibition’s poetic exploration of nature as both familiar and mystical encourages viewers to reconsider their relationship with the environment and the artistic process.

Eva Jospin’s career highlights include major international exhibitions at venues such as the Palais de Tokyo and Dior Haute Couture collaborations. Her Venice exhibition solidifies her reputation as an artist who seamlessly integrates craft, concept, and cultural heritage.

“Selva” is not merely an exhibition; it’s a journey into a forest of imagination, where the boundaries between the tangible and the ethereal dissolve. It’s an unmissable celebration of art’s ability to reimagine nature and history, leaving visitors enchanted and inspired.