Giorgio Verzotti Critiques 2017 Venice Biennale as Conformist

In an editorial for Artribune, Giorgio Verzotti expresses his disapproval of the 57th Venice Biennale, titled "Viva Arte Viva," which Christine Macel curated. He labels the event as conventional and lacking in distinction when compared to other biennials. Verzotti characterizes Macel as focused on her career and draws unfavorable comparisons to Massimiliano Gioni's Triennale di Milano and Documenta 14. He anticipates that many artists will fade from memory within six months. While he acknowledges highlights such as the otium-negotium zone featuring an Olafur Eliasson installation, the collaborative pavilion, and a women-led Dionysian section, he critiques the color section and some artists. He commends the German Pavilion and Roberto Cuoghi's "Imitazione di Cristo," although he notes that the jury overlooked Cuoghi's work.