The Venice Biennale is upon us, returning for its 60th edition. Thousands will pour into the Italian city for the opening of one of the art world’s most prestigious events—barring a few interruptions—since 1895. When it closes in late November more than 800,000 people will likely have attended (if last year’s record–breaking numbers are any indication). Awards will also be given and rising new stars in contemporary art identified. Though the Venice Biennale is one of the most known in the world, replete with a rich history and an engaging mythos, it has also seen a number of changes since it began. The 60th edition will be on public view from April 20 through November 24. terimaqq
Dubbed “the Olympics of the art world,” the Venice Biennale is an international art festival that is now comprised of three parts: 1) a central exhibition organized by an artistic director in the Central pavilion in the public gardens (aka the Giardini) and former dockyards (aka the Arsenale); 2) a series of national pavilions organized by dozens of countries offering a show of one or more artists; and 3) independently organized, but officially approved exhibitions known as Collateral Events.
Additionally, there are other exhibitions and events planned to coincide with the Biennale that are not, in fact, officially affiliated. This can include shows put on by artists themselves, the city’s museums and foundations, or commercial galleries. There are also performances, panels, screenings, dinners, and parties that bring the city’s art to life.
Who’s in charge?
The Biennale organization, which manages activities across art, architecture, film, dance, music, and theater, is overseen by current president and right wing journalist Pietrangelo Buttafuoco. Each Biennale, a new artistic director is selected to curate the central show. This practice began in 1980 with legendary Swiss curator Harald Szeemann, who repeated the role in 1999 and 2001. Only three Biennales have been organized by women and only one African-born curator thus far. terimaqq
The curator of this year’s edition is Adriano Pedroso, artistic director of the São Paulo Museum of Art in Brazil, presents “Foreigners Everywhere”. The first Latin American curator in the Biennale’s 130–year history, the title is a provocation aimed at a wave of anti-immigrant agendas across Italy, Hungary, the United States, and other countries over the last few years.
What are the origins of the Biennale?
On April 21, 1868, King Umberto I of Italy married Margherita of Savoy. Nearly 25 years later, Venice’s city government honored the couple’s silver anniversary by establishing a national biennial exhibition of art and an orphanage on April 19, 1893. This era of grand international art expositions and commerce in Europe can be traced back earlier, however, to the large-scale art exhibitions of the 18th century. The inspiration for the Biennale’s organizers, though, was a national art exhibition held in Venice in 1887.
The inaugural Biennale took place with King Umberto and Queen Margherita in attendance on April 30, 1895. The first iteration boasted 516 works, with 188 by Italians and the rest by foreigners. In addition to Italy, there were artists from 14 nations, along with a selection of works submitted in advance and approved by a jury. With approximately 225,000 attendees, the Biennale quickly established itself as a vital source of tourism and commerce. terimaqq
