High Waters: Oral History Reveals Venice Biennale Curators' Untold Stories

Massimiliano Gioni's new book "High Waters: An Oral History of the Venice Biennale" (JRP Editions) features interviews with 16 of the 17 curators who have organized the main exhibition since 1993. The volume, edited by the New Museum artistic director who curated the 2013 edition, captures candid reflections on proposals, budgets, and the unique pressures of the role. Curators discuss financial constraints—Gioni received about €2 million and raised another €1.5 million—and the biennale's distinguishing features: its international audience, national pavilion structure, and sprawling history. Notable revelations include María de Corral and Rosa Martínez being the first women to curate after 110 years, with only eight months to plan; Harald Szeemann as the only person to do it twice (1999 and 2001); and Robert Storr signing on for both 2007 and 2009 before parting ways with administrators. The late Germano Celant (1997) is the sole absence, having died in 2020. Koyo Kouoh, the Cameroonian-Swiss curator selected for the 2026 edition, died in March 2025 while planning her show; her five-person team spoke with Gioni about continuing her vision. The book includes gossip, tensions, and reflections on the biennale's evolution, with curators like Francesco Bonami lamenting a loss of venturesome spirit since 2003. Published by JRP Editions.