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For some art enthusiasts visiting Venice, it’s all about seeing Titians and Tintorettos…but for others, especially during La Biennale, it’s all about Contemporary Art.
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| Marc Quinn, Breath, Isola di San Giorgio via |
The 55th International Art Exhibition is being held in over fifty locations around Venice from June 1 – November 24, 2013. The two main locations for the exhibitions are Arsenale and Giardini. Many of the installations which are juxtaposed against the backdrop of classic Venetian architecture, creating a striking contrast of past and present. The exhibition includes pavilions from over 80 countries around the world.
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| John Pawson, Perspectives, Basilica di San Giorgio Maggiore via |
This year’s exhibition is themed The Encyclopedic Palace and is curated by Massimiliano Gioni. He was inspired bythe utopian dream of artist Marino Auriti, who filed a design with the U.S. Patent office in 1955 depicting his Palazzo Enciclopedico (The Encyclopedic Palace), an imaginary museum that was meant to house all worldly knowledge.
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| Still photo taken from Shoja Azari, King of Black via |
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| Richard Mosse, The Enclave via |
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| Actress Milla Jovovich in a performance piece by Tara Subkoff via |
In addition to the International Art Exhibition, La Biennale also features Architecture, Cinema, Theater, Music and Dance.
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| Rudolf Stingel, Palazzo Grassi via |
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| Rudolf Stingel, Palazzo Grassi via
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The Francois Pinault Foundation showcases contemporary art at the Palazzo Grassi and Punta Della Dogana. Though it is not technically part of the Biennale, an exhibit at the Palazzo Grassi during the Biennale features a solo show by Rudolf Stingel in which he takes over the entire exhibition space at the Palazzo Grassi, covering the walls, floors and ceilings with oriental carpets, from which he showcases his haunting grey, black and white abstract paintings. This exhibit runs until December 31, 2013.
Have you ever been to Venice during the Biennale? I will be there in September…it will be interesting to visit during the exhibition, although I must admit I may prefer to re-visit La Scuola Grande di San Rocco to see the remarkable Tintoretto paintings adorning its ceiling and walls.
It is SO good to see a culture and country that takes art seriously and celebrates it! Fabulous tour as always, Sandy! Anita
I bet you can't wait until September! Can I say I went to some of the places you mention because I read your blog?
Wao!! What a wonderful trip you have coming up! So excited for you. I have never been to the Biennale would love to go. All the info. here was wonderful, I learned so much. I especially liked this exhibit at the palazzo Grassi with the oriental rugs…incredible! I'm sure quite a sight in person
Although I have visited Venice, I have never been during the Biennali and I can see why you must be looking forward to it. I'm mesmerised by the colours in The Enclave too!
http://missbbobochic.blogspot.co.uk/
HI Sandy, thank you for the sweet comment today. I can't believe you have a Carter too! Love the C names–then they all have the same monogram! Have a great day, Barbara