Tag : Art

Why you can’t miss the Venice Biennale

Anna Maria Maiolino, Entrevidas, 1981/2000.
Maiolino, together with Nil Yalter, have been awarded the Golden Lion for lifetime achievement to the Art Biennale 2024.

 

 

 

The Venice Biennale is more than just an exhibition – it’s an immersive art experience. Held every two years, this event transforms Venice into a dynamic canvas of creativity.

The Venues: Giardini and Arsenale The Biennale is hosted in two historic locations – the Giardini and the Arsenale. The Giardini is a picturesque park dotted with distinctive pavilions, each representing different countries. These pavilions, transformed and renewed over the years, reflect the changing artistic visions and politics of their respective nations.

Each national pavilion showcases artists selected through diverse methods, either by cultural ministries or expert committees. The main show, organized by the Biennale Foundation, is housed in the central pavilion, curated by renowned figures like Adriano Pedrosa this year.

Strolling through the Biennale, you encounter an astonishing variety of art – from installations and classical pieces to art-videos and live performances. Each pavilion is a gateway to a unique artistic realm.

The Arsenale, the former shipyard of the Venice Republic, consists of a series of sheds of the 16th century. The longest of them, the Corderie (rope-factory) is now a space where artworks are displayed without interruption or organized in mini pavilions.

Other sheds, once used as docks for shipbuilding, are now transformed into pavilions assigned to different countries for their national exhibits.

As you walk through the venue, you are immersed in an environment that resonates with centuries of maritime history.

Visiting Tips To fully embrace the Biennale spirit, consider spreading your visit over two days. Start with the Giardini, allowing time to relax at the cafeterias or on a bench under the trees. Dedicate another day to the Arsenale for a complete experience.

Beyond the Traditional Venues With increasing participation, the Biennale spills over into Venice’s churches, palaces, and other spaces, turning the city into a vibrant open-air gallery that offers a contemporary snapshot of global art.

A visit to the Biennale is an exploration of the ever-evolving landscape of art in today’s world.
Italiano