Museum of Art Pudong's major 2026 exhibition, Giorgio Morandi. Solo, will officially open on June 17, 2026. Giorgio Morandi (1890–1964) is one of the most influential Italian painters of the 20th century. His name has become synonymous with a color system, Morandi colors. His low-saturation, serene, and balanced tones have become highly popular among mass culture in China, and are regarded as "the most sophisticated color aesthetics in the world." He hardly ever left his hometown of Bologna, living a reclusive life. Artistically, he once engaged with avant-garde art and the Metaphysical painting movement, but ultimately adhered to his own aesthetic stance, creating infinite variations with limited subjects such as bottles, flowers, and views from his window. His works transcend time through their minimalist forms and subtle hues, continuously influencing contemporary art till today.

This exhibition is the largest solo exhibition of Morandi's works globally in this century. It brings together over 200 works from over 30 international institutions and collectors, including more than 140 original pieces by Morandi, with about 120 exhibits being shown in China for the first time. Through more than 30 sub-sections, the exhibition breaks the simplistic notion that "Morandi the bottle and jar painter,” comprehensively presenting his diverse subjects: still life, landscapes, flowers, self-portraits, as well as media: oil, printmaking, watercolor. Additionally, it features 57 photographs of his studio, objects he actually used for painting(displayed alongside paintings of similar subjects), his personal book collection, letters, and other archival materials. Two video installations by renowned contemporary artist Tacita Dean also demonstrate the continuation of his influence. Exhibition highlights include: Morandi's only seascape in his oeuvre; one of only seven self-portraits he ever painted; a portrait of his sister that has never before been exhibited; one of only twelve Metaphysical paintings he created; extremely rare wartime shell paintings and watercolors; and a personal star press owned by Morandi, which has not left Bologna since 1993.

The exhibition is titled Solo, a concept derived from the psychological experience the works evoke in viewers. It also borrows the musical term solo—the peak moment when a single voice carries the entire stage by itself. This aptly reflects how Morandi, with minimal elements and colors, delivers one focused visual solo after another to his audience.

The exhibition is produced by the Shanghai Lujiazui East Bund Culture Development Co., Ltd.; organised by the Museum of Art Pudong and Museo Morandi; curated by Lorenzo Balbi, Director of the Museo Morandi, and Francesco D'Arelli, Director of the Italian Cultural Institute in Shanghai; designed by Aldo Cibic Workshop; supported and promoted by the Consulate General of Italy in Shanghai, the Italian Cultural Institute in Shanghai and the City of Bologna.