Renato Barilli writes open letter to Cecilia Alemani ahead of Venice Biennale

Renato Barilli, professor emeritus at the University of Bologna, has published an open letter to Cecilia Alemani, director of the 2022 Venice Biennale. In the letter, Barilli offers unsolicited advice and criticism. He initially expressed concern over Alemani's appointment due to her being the wife of previous director Massimo Gioni, but acknowledges her qualifications. Barilli criticizes Gioni's 2013 Biennale for its overly theoretical theme on collecting, calling it a "beautiful hot air balloon" detached from reality. He warns Alemani against repeating Gioni's "disastrous error" of eliminating the distinction between the Giardini and the Corderie, urging her to restore hierarchy: major works in the Giardini, emerging artists in the Corderie. Barilli also questions Alemani's announced focus on surrealist painter Leonora Carrington, arguing surrealism is not fully relevant today, though he supports valorizing female contributions. He advises against over-occupying the central pavilion with Carrington. Regarding the Italian Pavilion, Barilli suggests moving it back to the Giardini from its current remote location in the Arsenale. He concludes by stating he will visit and offer praise or criticism as needed. The letter was published in Artribune Magazine #62.