Rem Koolhaas on National Character, Dalí, and Houellebecq at Venice Architecture Biennale

In an editorial for artpress, Catherine Millet reflects on an interview with Rem Koolhaas, general commissioner of the 14th Venice Architecture Biennale opening June 7, 2014. Koolhaas, despite being one of the most influential architectural thinkers, challenges accepted ideas in artistic and intellectual circles. He questions what national characters have survived within homogenizing modernity, risking accusations of nationalism. He also expresses interest in Salvador Dalí, long detested by the intelligentsia, and his complicity with Michel Houellebecq, a controversial author. Millet draws parallels with Peter Sloterdijk, another influential yet polarizing figure. She argues that broad recognition does not imply consensus, noting that the public that perpetuates clichés and taboos also rewards those who challenge them. Millet highlights artpress's role as a bilingual French art magazine, now launching a digital edition to expand readership and facilitate access. The editorial introduces upcoming content on Peter Handke and Jean-Paul Curnier, a philosopher and hunter, featured in a new artpress2 issue on bullfighting.