You still have until november 24th to experience the Venice Biennale 2019 ! It’s so huge and the offer – regarding temporary exhibitions and events- besides the giardini’s pavilions and the Arsenal are so abundant that it’s important to prepare your visit ahead. Here is my selection for you :
1° My favorite pavilions :
Well this year in the Giardini only 4 retain my attention :
- Switzerland : they could have won the Gold Lion ! Pauline Baudry and Renate Lorenz present a groovy installation, both sensorial and physical, called ” Moving backwards” , which is actually a symbolic resistance to the regressive global political background we are living.
- Denmark : a mesmerizing installation with a sci-fi movie and sculpture by Larisa Sensour-danish- palestinian artist-where history, identity and memory are threads leading us in a world where individual experience is meeting collective one.
- Brazil : more dance ! I feel like music and choreography are very present this year and I don’t complain. Here the wild rythms of the installation called ” Swinguerra “, mix of guerra ( war) and swing, takes you deeply. The artists Barbara Wagner and Benjamin de Burca filmed and photographed street dance battles performed by gifted young people. Freedom and individual differences blended in a cultural mix are the key words , becoming even more precious now knowing the current political situation.
- Serbia : 1 painting by Djordje Ozbolt retained my attention. a perfect mix of symbolism, figuration and abstraction.
- + pictures coming soon 😉 and more details as well for the following lists :
2° Italian pavilion in the giardini :
- Henry Taylor’s portraits
- Gabriel Rico ‘s installations
3) In the Arsenale I found many works filed with anxiety, evoking dark times, spreading a heavy energy but always extremely meaningful and well done. Among my favorite :
- Gabriel Rico
- Shilpa Gupta
- Arthur Jafa
- Tarek Atoui
- Christine and Margareth Wertheim
- Sun Yuan and Peng Yu
3° The golden lion has been awarded to Lithuanian pavilion and it’s must see ! Actually it’s an experience as the art piece is an operawork-performance.
4° My favorite temporary exhibitions in the Serenissima :
- Luc Tuymans in Palazzo Grassi
- Punta della dogana- Pinault collection
- Kounellis in Prada Foundation
- Carpenters workshop at Ca’ d’oro
- Arp at Peggy Guggenheim’s collection
- Helen Frankenthaler at Palazzo Grimani
- Glass Stress in Murano
Bars :
After a long day of visit where to have delicious ciccheti ? Just in front of famous Frari church at lovely Café dei frari, the best place is oustside, standing by the canal.
If you prefer a more sophisticated and refined atmosphere, I do recommend an historical palazzo transformed into a splendid luxury retreat : Aman Venice in Papadoppoli palace.The peace is breathtaking and cocktails are stunning ! Just memorable and fabulous.
Restaurants :
After the Arsenale visit Corte Sconta will be your heaven of peace ! The fishes are so delicious and you can relax in the lovely courtyard, dreaming about Corto Maltese adventures.
When in Murano book absolutely at Busa alla torre da Lele : the best venetian fry and my favorite vongole !
more to come at the end of september , thanks for you patience 😉
