Stefania Portinari

Stefania Portinari is an Associate Professor at the Department of Humanities, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, specializing in contemporary art history. Her research focuses on curatorial practices, the history of the Venice Biennale, and 20th-century Italian art, with a particular emphasis on underrepresented female artists and socio-political critiques in art. She holds a PhD in Art History and has curated numerous exhibitions, including Gli artisti di Ca’ Pesaro e le esposizioni del 1919 e del 1920. Portinari’s work bridges academic scholarship and public engagement, exploring themes like reenactment in exhibitions and the role of art in shaping cultural narratives. She actively contributes to academic publications and has led projects on art education and institutional history.

Her research interests span curatorial methodologies, modern Italian art movements, and the intersection of art with political and social discourse. Recent publications include analyses of the British Pavilion at the Venice Biennale and studies on early 20th-century female painters in Venice. She has also authored monographs on the 1970s Venice Biennale and the legacy of artist Ubaldo Oppi.

Portinari’s academic roles include teaching courses on contemporary art history and curatorial practices. She has received grants for research on Biennale historiography and is affiliated with multiple cultural institutions, including Fondazione Querini Stampalia. Her work often highlights marginalized voices in art history, such as lesser-known female artists and avant-garde movements.