Global Dialogues at the 60th Venice Biennale

Exhibitions intricately intertwined with the fabric of Venice’s historic and modern spaces.

Amid the grand spectacle of art, culture and dialogue that defines the 60th Venice Biennale, a series of peripheral events emerge, each offering a unique perspective on contemporary artistic expression. These events, intricately woven into the fabric of Venice’s historic and modern spaces, extend the dialogue initiated by the Biennale beyond its main venues, inviting both local and international visitors to a broader exploration of global themes. From cutting-edge exhibitions housed in ancient palaces to innovative performances enlivening the city’s hidden courtyards, these events enhance the vibrancy of the Biennale. Here, artists, curators and viewers converge in conversations that challenge, inspire and redefine the boundaries of contemporary art.

Malevich.io vs TCollection I’m not afraid of ghosts

Curated by Svetlana Marich and Sarah McCrory, I’m not afraid of ghosts delves into various facets of femininity. It explores the physicality of the female body, social expectations and roles of women, as well as delving into abstract analyzes of interpersonal relationships and the typical roles women play within them. The exhibition features works by 33 artists, including Marlene Dumas, Tracey Emin, Jenny Holzer and Issy Wood. In addition to the artwork, visitors can experience an original composition by Oliver Leith, a renowned British composer whose performances include venues such as the Royal Opera House and The Forge. Notably, this marks the public debut of pieces from TCollection, the private collection of businesswoman Tatiana Fileva, and the inaugural exhibition of the multidisciplinary platform Malevich.io in Venice.

Ben Brown Fine Arts’ Planet Lalanne

Called Planet Lalanne, this exhibition is a comprehensive showcase of the acclaimed artistic duo Claude and François-Xavier Lalanne taking place in the historic Palazzo Rota Ivancich in Venice. Curated by Jerome Neutres, the fantastic sculptures, furniture and art objects are strategically placed throughout the palace, engaging in an intimate dialogue with their distinctive surroundings. This location highlights its clever functionality and surreal whimsy, transforming the location into an enchanted “Palazzo Lalanne.”

With one of the largest Lalanne collections to date, it is the first time such an extensive exhibition has been organized in Italy. Among the works on display are the most comprehensive collections of bars created by François-Xavier during his lifetime, including a Sauterelle bar, the counterpart of which is owned by the British royal family. Additionally, visitors can admire all-size versions of Claude’s iconic Choupatte and a custom Lalanne bed, commissioned specifically for Ben Brown’s personal collection, among other rare treasures. With a history of close collaboration with Claude and François-Xavier Lalanne spanning more than two decades, Ben Brown Fine Arts has previously organized exhibitions in its London and Hong Kong galleries, promoting the work of these legendary French artists to a global audience.

“The Monument Game” by Sam Spratt presented by 1OF1

1OF1 presents the first physical exhibition of Sam Spratt’s work in Venice, marking a major milestone for the digital artist. The exhibition features Spratt’s groundbreaking piece titled “The Monument Game.” Although Spratt initially trained in classical oil painting and was inspired by Dutch and Italian Renaissance masterpieces, he has since ventured into creating dynamic blockchain-based digital art series, such as “Luci.” “The Monument Game”, as the largest expansion of “Luci”, is presented in a large-scale participatory format, captivating the public of Venice. In close collaboration with leading artists and institutions such as MoMA, M+ and Serpentine Galleries, 1OF1 aims to exhibit, contextualize and support art of the digital age.

Ai Weiwei Neither nor Presented by Galería Continua San Gimignano

Called Neither nor, celebrated Chinese contemporary artist Ai Weiwei’s extensive exhibition currently displays a substantial number of new pieces by the artist, and is one of the first instances in which such a significant collection of his Lego artworks has been shown together in a single setting . “Ni ni” also marks Ai Weiwei’s first solo exhibition at Galleria Continua’s renowned San Gimignano location in over a decade, offering visitors an immersive experience into the practice of one of the most influential artists of our time .

Prada Foundation Mount of piety

The Prada Foundation presents Mount of piety, a project by the artist Christoph Büchel, in Ca’ Corner della Regina. By exploring the historical importance of the location, which was once home to Venice’s Monte di Pietà, Büchel creates an immersive experience that delves into the concept of debt as fundamental to human society and power dynamics. The project includes a fictional pawn shop that reflects the original design, along with Büchel’s work “The Diamond Maker” depicting lab-grown diamonds. Incorporating new productions and references, the project investigates the intersection of the history of property, finance and wealth creation. Additionally, Büchel explores the blurred boundaries between the physical and virtual realms, engaging with cryptocurrencies and online influence to challenge notions of immateriality and wealth distribution. Through this exploration, “Monte di Pietà” prompts a reflection on the historical and contemporary importance of debt, finance and the preservation of cultural heritage.

London Unit In Praise of Black Wandering

Unit presents In Praise of Black Wandering, a group exhibition that honors the revolutionary essence of the black creative spirit. Inspired by Édouard Glissant, a notable French novelist and philosopher from Martinique, the exhibition embodies his concept of wandering as an expression of freedom and defiance. This idea highlights a deliberate form of wandering that transcends geographic borders and the confines of exile, symbolizing both escape and spontaneous adaptation. Wandering, fundamental to the development of black modernism, has inspired the harmonic complexity of jazz, a culture of dissent, and the spirit of rebellion.

Curated by Indie A. Choudhury of the Courtauld Institute of Art, London, with assistance from Kelsey Corbett of Unit, the exhibition features the works of 19 artists of the African diaspora, spanning modern and contemporary periods, including Rachel Jones, Winston Branch . , Jean-Michel Basquiat, Claudette Johnson, Stacey Gillian Abe, Hank Willis Thomas, Keith Piper, Anya Paintsil and more.

Querini Stampalia’s Foundation Yolya and emilia kabakov: Between the sky and the earth

The Fondazione Querini Stampalia reactivated Joseph Kosuth’s neon installations after their detailed restoration. These installations, designed by the artist to explain fundamental elements such as land, air and water, establish a dialogue with the 16th century architecture of the place. This interaction forms a bridge between historical and modern contexts, creating a visual and linguistic interaction that encourages the public to contemplate the function of art. “The Material of Ornament,” a permanent piece created for the 1997 Venice Art Biennale and part of the Sarajevo 2000 project, is inspired by John Ruskin’s “The Stones of Venice” (1853). It acts as a visual manifesto for Querini Stampalia, symbolizing his dedication to preserving the future.

In addition, the Fondazione Querini Stampalia presents a new international exhibition. Ilya and Emilia Kabakov: between heaven and earth honors the legacy of Ilya Kabakov a year after his death. Curated by Chiara Bertola and in collaboration with the Ilya and Emilia Kabakov Art Foundation, this exhibition pays tribute to a pioneering figure in conceptual art, known for his innovative use of materials and hailed as the most distinguished artist of the 20th century, born in the USSR and later. a US citizen. This exhibition marks the first occasion in which the Kabakovs’ important works interact with the Fondazione’s historical surroundings and collections, resulting in unique site-specific pieces.