DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (CNN) – The just-opened Venice Biennale is an international arts and culture festival held every two years featuring the work of some of the world’s best artists. .in one place.
This event, whose origins date back to 1895, consists of 3 parts.
First part: Central gallery
It is hosted by a series of industrial buildings located in a former shipbuilding district, known as Arsenale, and in the main pavilion are the Giardini della Biennale.
Part two: National pavilions
Most of them are located in the Giardini, which encompasses an architectural mix of houses built in historic and contemporary styles inspired by 29 countries, including: the UK, France, Japan, Brazil and the United States. United.
The last part: satellite fairs or “side fairs” and events scattered around the city.
Each year, an artistic director is appointed to curate the central exhibition, which defines the spirit of the whole festival. This course was for Cecilia Alemani, who serves as Artistic Program Manager for Manhattans High Line in New York City.
Given the scale of the exposure, an action plan is essential!
You’ll be walking over 10 miles a day, trying to map the city, and you’ll feel like there’s a lot to see.
So give yourself at least two days, wear comfortable shoes and don’t forget to drink water.
first day
First, get your ticket at the main Arsenale ticket office or on the website.
And start your day at The Milk of Dreams gallery, which you can access through Ramo de la Tana.
And if you smell chocolate in the air, you’re close to Delcy Morelos’ Earthly Paradise maze, made of earth mixed with cassava flour, spices and cocoa powder.
If you follow your path a bit, you will come across a series of black and white photographs from the early 20th century.
These photos belong to German Baroness Elsa von Freytag-Loringhoven.
Despite her title, she was not rich.
Nearby, take a moment to discover three sculptures by Lebanese artist Ali Sherry.
Made of clay, wood and metal, the “Titans” are inspired by the ancient patron goddess.
Within walking distance is a collection of colorful tapestries by Tunisian artist and activist Safiya Farhat.
And once you feel like seeing more, head to the Italian Pavilion, which is just a short walk away.
Along the way, you’ll pass the New Zealand Pavilion, where a series of stunning photographs by artist Yuki Kihara challenge some old colonial notions of paradise.
You should also take a look at the Italian pavilion.
At 20,000 square feet, the space is dedicated to installations by artist Gian Maria Tosati, who presented a series of scenes referencing the rise and fall of industrial Italy, through equipment from abandoned factory, such as abandoned industrial sewing machines.
At this point, you will drain your forces. So grab an early dinner at the nearby Al Covo restaurant, which is surprisingly located just off the main seafront promenade.
the second day
Get up early in the morning because there is so much to see.
On this day, focus on side fairs which are scattered throughout the city.
Head first to the historic Palazzo Vendramin Griman, where you’ll see the work of Mexican artist Bosco Sodi, who took part in a two-month residency there in early spring. During this time, he was inspired by Venice’s history as a center of commerce and culture.
The result was an abstract exhibition of sculptures and paintings that sought to remind viewers of the origins of many valuable commodities traded in Europe.
For example, he used in many of his works the traditional red dye Cochenille imported from Mexico, which became popular in Europe after it was discovered by Spanish settlers in the 16th century.
Then, hop on the Vaporetto waterbus and head to the Gallerie dell’Accademia, where British artist Anish Kapoor performs a show that runs until October.
Kapoor presents a series of works using Vantablack, known as the darkest color in the world, in which the British artist paid a sum of money to obtain an exclusive license to use it in art .
You can also head to Palazzo Grassi, where Japanese architect Tadao Ando struck a comfortable balance between historical heritage and modern reinvention, when he renovated the building of French billionaire François Pinault.
The mansion currently houses the work of South African artist Marilyn Dumas, known for her emotional paintings that often shock, entertain and seduce.
In fact, these works are only a small part of what is already on offer. And if you have the chance to wander around on a third day, here are some galleries to stop by:
This is Ukraine: Defending Freedom
A powerful collective showcase of the work of Ukrainian artists has been in place since Russia launched its attack on the country in February.
- Place: Scuola Grande della Misericordia
- weather: Until August 7, 2022
Anselme Kiefer
The German painter presents his huge painting of Venice in 14 paintings.
- Place: Ducal Palace, Piazza San Marco
- weather: Until October 29, 2022
Louise Nevelson: Perseverance
An exhibition reflecting the American artist’s work in the 20th century, celebrating the 60th anniversary of his representation of the United States at the 1932 Venice Biennale.
- Place: Procuratie Vecchie, Piazza San Marco
- weather: Until September 11, 2022