Italian Minister Giuli Visits Venice Biennale Amid Controversy
Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli visited the Venice Biennale two weeks late, touring the Italian Pavilion's exhibition "Con te, con tutto" by Chiara Camoni alongside writer and friend Pietrangelo Buttafuoco. Giuli had previously complained that Buttafuoco ignored his WhatsApp messages, as reported by Corriere della Sera on May 8. At the visit, Giuli declared the Biennale's message is one of freedom, beauty, and the social function of the arts, calling his visit both an institutional duty and a tribute to Venice. The visit comes after a month of conflicts during the preview period, including disputes over Russia's participation, Israel, Ukraine, and Africa. The article suggests the controversies are now overshadowed by upcoming art fairs Frieze and Art Basel.
Key facts
- Alessandro Giuli visited the Venice Biennale two weeks after the preview.
- He toured the Italian Pavilion exhibition 'Con te, con tutto' by Chiara Camoni.
- Giuli was accompanied by Pietrangelo Buttafuoco, whom he had previously complained about ignoring his messages.
- Giuli's statement praised the Biennale for freedom, beauty, and social function of arts.
- The visit followed a month of conflicts during the preview period.
- Disputes involved Russia, Israel, Ukraine, and Africa participation.
- The article notes upcoming Frieze and Art Basel fairs as shifting focus.
- The source is ArtsLife, dated May 21, 2026.
Entities
Artists
- Chiara Camoni
Institutions
- Venice Biennale
- Italian Pavilion
- Ministry of Culture
- Corriere della Sera
- Frieze
- Art Basel
Locations
- Venice
- Italy
Sources
- Artslife —