Fashion and Art Converge at Venice Biennale: Franz Erhard Walther Wins Golden Lion
The 2017 Venice Biennale, titled 'Viva Arte Viva,' showcased an intersection of contemporary art and fashion, supported by luxury brands such as Fendi, Prada, Louis Vuitton, and Bulgari, which sponsored various pavilions. Fendi backed a prominent Italian pavilion, while Fondazione Prada unveiled 'The Boat is Leaking. The Captain Lied,' a critique of Damien Hirst. The opening week featured a Fendi dinner and brand events, drawing attention from notable figures like architect Peter Marino and musician Courtney Love. The German Pavilion, which won the Golden Lion, highlighted Anne Imhof's performance. Additionally, Franz Erhard Walther, born in 1939, received the Golden Lion for best artist for his conceptual works that serve as 'garments.' Clara Tosi Pamphili's article emphasizes the connection between art and fashion.
Key facts
- Fendi sponsored one of the best Italian pavilions at the 2017 Venice Biennale.
- Fondazione Prada hosted 'The Boat is Leaking. The Captain Lied' as a response to Damien Hirst.
- Luxury brands including Fendi, Pinault, Louis Vuitton, and Bulgari held events during Biennale opening week.
- Attendees included Peter Marino, Courtney Love, and Tim Blanks.
- Dress code featured artistic details: hats by Joseph Kosuth, trench coats by Jan Fabre.
- German Pavilion with Anne Imhof won Golden Lion for best national participation.
- Franz Erhard Walther won Golden Lion for best artist at the 2017 Biennale.
- Walther's works are conceptual 'garments' that viewers enter, blending art and fashion.
- Walther was born in 1939 and spent time in New York in the 1960s-70s.
- Walther's materials include wool, cotton, and linen; his motto is 'To see is to feel'.
Entities
Artists
- Damien Hirst
- Anne Imhof
- Franz Erhard Walther
- Joseph Kosuth
- Jan Fabre
- Issey Miyake
- Clara Tosi Pamphili
Institutions
- Fendi
- Fondazione Prada
- Louis Vuitton
- Bulgari
- Pinault
- German Pavilion
- Biennale Arte 2017
- Artribune
- La Biennale di Venezia
Locations
- Venice
- Italy
- Giardini
- Arsenale
- New York
- United States