Critical Review of 58th Venice Biennale Highlights Contradictions and National Pavilions
The 58th Venice Biennale, which took place in 2019 under the theme 'May You Live in Interesting Times' and curated by Ralph Rugoff, examined issues of fake news and social inequality. Halil Altındere, a Turkish artist, unveiled 'Neverland,' representing a refugee pavilion. Controversially, Swiss artist Christoph Büchel's 'Barca Nostra,' a shipwreck from 2015, was brought to Venice at a cost of 33 million euros. Teresa Margolles from Mexico displayed a bullet-riddled wall sourced from Ciudad Juárez, while Canadian Stan Douglas presented the video 'Doppelgänger.' The Lithuanian Pavilion was awarded the Golden Lion for 'Sun & Sea (Marina),' and the Brazilian Pavilion showcased 'Swinguerra' by Bárbara Wagner & Benjamin de Burca, emphasizing marginalized cultures. The Biennale faced criticism for its elaborate scenography.
Key facts
- The 58th Venice Biennale was titled 'May You Live in Interesting Times,' curated by Ralph Rugoff.
- Halil Altındere's 'Neverland' was a facade for a refugee pavilion addressing fake news.
- Christoph Büchel's 'Barca Nostra' involved a shipwreck from 2015 that cost 33 million euros to transport.
- Teresa Margolles exhibited a bullet-riddled concrete wall from Ciudad Juárez, originally from 2010.
- Stan Douglas showed 'Doppelgänger,' a video about duplication, in both the Arsenale and Central Pavilion.
- The Lithuanian Pavilion won the Golden Lion for 'Sun & Sea (Marina)' by Barzdžiukaitė, Grainytė, and Lapelytė.
- The Brazilian Pavilion featured 'Swinguerra' by Bárbara Wagner & Benjamin de Burca on northeastern swingueira culture.
- The Biennale's theme included fake news and doubles, with mirrored presentations across two main venues.
Entities
Artists
- Halil Altındere
- Christoph Büchel
- Teresa Margolles
- Stan Douglas
- Rugilė Barzdžiukaitė
- Vaiva Grainytė
- Lina Lapelytė
- Bárbara Wagner
- Benjamin de Burca
- Ralph Rugoff
Institutions
- Venice Biennale
- Lithuanian Pavilion
- Brazilian Pavilion
Locations
- Venice
- Italy
- Turkey
- Switzerland
- Mexico
- Canada
- Lithuania
- Brazil