Opinions on the 2019 Venice Biennale: A Divided Critical Response
The 2019 Venice Biennale, curated by Ralph Rugoff and themed 'May You Live In Interesting Times,' garnered a range of opinions. Pericle Guaglianone acknowledged its effective curation but took issue with the national pavilions. Christian Caliandro suggested that the exhibition diluted artworks by imposing a narrative framework. Alfredo Cramerotti remarked on the emphasis on large, commercially-driven pieces. Ludovico Pratesi commended its fresh perspective on contemporary issues such as fake news and climate change, referencing artists like Kahlil Joseph, Christian Marclay, and Apichatpong Weerasethakul. Alessandra Mammì pointed out Rugoff's emphasis on contemporary artists, while Azzurra Muzzonigro criticized its lack of unity. Antonella Crippa celebrated its diversity but mentioned market influences, and Aldo Premoli noted awards given to Arthur Jafa, Otobong Nkanga, and Jimmie Durham. This summary was published in Artribune Magazine #50.
Key facts
- The 2019 Venice Biennale was titled 'May You Live In Interesting Times' and curated by Ralph Rugoff.
- Critics offered divided opinions on the exhibition's concept, display, and selection of artists.
- Pericle Guaglianone found the international exhibition good but lacking a true concept.
- Christian Caliandro argued the display neutralized works by fitting them into a pre-set narrative.
- Alfredo Cramerotti noted a predominance of large-scale, market-oriented art with a London-centric perspective.
- Ludovico Pratesi praised the show as courageous and innovative, addressing contemporary issues.
- Alessandra Mammì highlighted that Rugoff included only living artists to focus on the present.
- Antonella Crippa reported that for the first time, more women artists than men were included.
- The jury awarded Golden Lions to Arthur Jafa, Otobong Nkanga, and Jimmie Durham.
- The article was published in Artribune Magazine #50.
Entities
Artists
- Ralph Rugoff
- Pericle Guaglianone
- Christian Caliandro
- Alfredo Cramerotti
- Ludovico Pratesi
- Alessandra Mammì
- Azzurra Muzzonigro
- Antonella Crippa
- Marlene L. Müller
- Lorenzo Taiuti
- Aldo Premoli
- Kahlil Joseph
- Christian Marclay
- Frida Orupabo
- Apichatpong Weerasethakul
- Tsuyoshi Hisakado
- Lawrence Abu Hamdan
- Arthur Jafa
- Otobong Nkanga
- Jimmie Durham
- Jannis Kounellis
- Arshile Gorky
- Georg Baselitz
- Luc Tuymans
- Pino Pascali
- Haroon Mirza
- Rosa Barba
- Trevor Paglen
- Alterazioni Video
- Christoph Büchel
- Lorenzo Quinn
- Martin Puryear
- Giovanni Grimani
- Hito Steyerl
- Kaari Upson
- Nicole Eisenman
- Korakrit Arunanondchai
- Zhanna Kadyrova
- Sun Yuan
- Peng Yu
- Stefano Chiodi
Institutions
- Venice Biennale
- Hayward Gallery
- Biennale di Lione
- Mostyn
- Artribune
- Art Basel
- Christie's
- Sotheby's
- Brown University
- Fondazione Prada
- Ca' Pesaro
- Gallerie dell'Accademia
- Palazzo Grassi
- Palazzo Cavanis
- Palazzo Grimani
- V-A-C Foundation
- Arsenale
- Giardini
- Marina Militare di Melilli
- Accademia di Belle Arti di Firenze
- Symbola Fondazione per le Qualità italiane
Locations
- Venice
- Italy
- Giardini
- Arsenale
- London
- United Kingdom
- New York
- United States
- Arsenale Nord
- Canal Grande
- Campo Santa Maria Formosa
- Ca' Sagredo
- Valencia
- Genoa
- Melilli
- Siracusa
- Canale di Sicilia
- Lampedusa
- Libya