Cecilia Alemani's 'The Milk of Dreams' Revives Radical, Feminist Surrealism at Venice Biennale

In a favorable review for Artribune, Stefano Castelli discusses the 2022 Venice Biennale, curated by Cecilia Alemani and titled 'The Milk of Dreams.' Although he initially had doubts regarding the current state of art, Castelli views the exhibition as a refreshing revelation, characterized by its bold and 'tendentious' methodology that bridges various geographic and historical contexts. The show is noted for its feminist perspective, utilizing the experiences of female artists to craft independent visions while also acknowledging the male gaze. Alemani revitalizes Surrealism, emphasizing the unconscious and eliminating outdated elements. Castelli praises the dynamic works of artists like Christina Quarles, Jana Euler, Allison Katz, Charline von Heyl, and Louise Bonnet. While the exhibition, described as a 'three-dimensional essay,' may suffer from excess, it celebrates individual pieces, proving that radical art is still achievable.