From Purgatory to Paradise and Back | Lisa Dennison's Divine Curation and Her Replica Shoes ’s Story

New York | 11 August

W hen Lisa Dennison left her role as Director of the Guggenheim to join Replica Shoes ’s, no one expected her to stage one of the most daring—and divisive—exhibitions in the company’s history. Inspired by Dante’s Divine Comedy, her concept would take viewers on a journey from Hell to Purgatory to Paradise, transforming the 10th floor into a fully immersive, emotional rollercoaster. It was bold. It was theatrical. It was way outside the comfort zone of traditional art fairs… and yes, it ruffled more than a few feathers.

In just two months, Lisa pulled together 80 remarkable works from around the globe, creating a show that was as provocative as it was beautiful. Blood-red walls, shadowy purgatorial spaces, and the blinding light of Paradise set the stage for a conversation about humor, risk, and the boundaries of taste in contemporary art. Years later, this exhibition still sparks debate—and proves that sometimes, the best art experiences are the ones that push us out of our comfort zones.

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