Bruce Nauman Wins Golden Lion at 53rd Venice Biennale Amid Critical Reflections
At the 53rd Venice Biennale, which commenced in June 2009, Bruce Nauman was awarded the Golden Lion for Best National Pavilion. His showcase featured neon installations titled 'Vices and Virtues' at the U.S. Pavilion, along with plaster 'Smoke Rings' at Università Ca' Foscari, and 'Days/Giorni' at both Ca' Foscari and Università Iuav di Venezia. Under the direction of Daniel Birnbaum with the theme 'Making Worlds,' the Biennale included artists such as Krzysztof Wodiczko, Miquel Barceló, Fiona Tan, and Mona Hatoum. Additionally, Robert Rauschenberg's 'Gluts' series was exhibited at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, while notable works like Lygia Pape's in the Arsenale and Teresa Margollese's blood-stained draperies were highlighted, critiquing curatorial practices.
Key facts
- Bruce Nauman won the Golden Lion for Best National Pavilion at the 53rd Venice Biennale in 2009.
- Nauman's exhibition included neon 'Vices and Virtues' signs at the U.S. Pavilion and works at Università Ca' Foscari.
- Robert Rauschenberg's 'Gluts' series was shown at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, recalling initial critical dismissal.
- Daniel Birnbaum directed the Biennale under the theme 'Making Worlds.'
- Tadao Ando converted the Punta della Dogana interior for François Pinault's collection.
- Teresa Margollese displayed blood-soaked canvas draperies referencing violent deaths in Mexico.
- Peter Greenaway projected an animated film of Veronese's 'Wedding at Cana' at San Giorgio Maggiore.
- The Biennale featured national pavilions from Poland, Spain, Netherlands, and others, with a noted emphasis on sculpture.
Entities
Artists
- Bruce Nauman
- Krzysztof Wodiczko
- Miquel Barceló
- Fiona Tan
- Mona Hatoum
- Robert Rauschenberg
- Lygia Pape
- David Hammons
- Rachel Khedoori
- Anna Parkina
- Tony Conrad
- Martial Raysse
- Mark Bradford
- Teresa Margollese
- Blinky Palermo
- Sherrie Levine
- Wolfgang Tillmans
- Philippe Parreno
- Edgard Varèse
- Peter Greenaway
- Veronese
- Balthus
- Neo Rauch
- Rachel Harrison
- Michael Day Jackson
- Gregory Corso
- Hilton Kramer
- Benito Mussolini
- Adolf Hitler
- Igor Stravinsky
- Antony and the Johnsons
- Alfred North Whitehead
Institutions
- Venice Biennale
- U.S. Pavilion
- State Department
- Università Ca' Foscari
- Università Iuav di Venezia
- Quirini Stampalia Foundation
- Peggy Guggenheim Collection
- Palazzo Grassi
- Punta della Dogana
- Espositioni
- Palazzo Fortuny
- San Giorgio Maggiore
- Moscow Poetry Club
- Gutai group
- MoMA
- Walker Art Center
- artcritical.com
Locations
- Venice
- Italy
- Giardini
- Teatro la Fenice
- Chiostro Verde
- San Giorgio
- Capitol dome
- Senate chamber
- Arsenale
- Tolentini
- Mexico
- Potsdamer Platz
- Ecuador
- Silk Road